The general rule is that you need permission to use anything that anyone else created -- images, text, video, etc. -- regardless of where you find it. There are narrow exceptions if, for example, you're using the images for commentary (what's known as "fair use") or if the image has a creative commons (or other freeware) license. If you're planning to go into the world of online media, copyright infringement is a huge (and costly) issue to run afoul of. Align yourself with an intellectual property attorney -- even if it's to get the basic consultations -- so that you can steer clear of the pitfalls.
Nina L. Kaufman is an award-winning business attorney, author and speaker. For more than 15 years, she has successfully navigated thousands of small businesses through the legal hurdles they face in starting and running their companies. Under her
AskTheBusinessLawyer.com brand, she reaches thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners with her legal services, professional speaking, information products, and
LexAppeal weekly ezine.
