Top 10 Copyright Myths For Image Users

10-10-10. October 10, 2010 is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime date. A great excuse for a Top 10 List!

Here are the top ten copyright myths for image users. Professionals and amateurs alike make these mistakes, which can be costly.

1. If an image has a Creative Commons license, you can do whatever you want with it ... FALSE.

2. Images found on the Internet are free to use ... FALSE.

3. It's OK to use an image for free as long as you give proper credit ... FALSE.

4. Modifying an existing image creates a new image that you can claim as your own ... FALSE.

5. It's OK to copy part of an image as long as you don't use the entire image ... FALSE.

6. If an image doesn't have a copyright notice (i.e., the "©" symbol), it's in the public domain and can be used for free ... FALSE.

7. If you paid to use an image, you own it ... FALSE.

8. It's OK to use someone's image as long as you don't make money with it ... FALSE.

9. Once you remove the image from your web site, you don't have any liability ... FALSE.

10. If you can't find the copyright holder, you can use the image for free ... FALSE.

These points are over simplified. Check out the comments for more thorough explanations.

(Note: This is not written by a lawyer, and this is not legal advise. Do consult a lawyer to get legal advice concerning copyright. This list suggests common reasons why some people violate copyright and is not a definitive list.)