How do you know if an image has a copyright?

Answer 1

Generally, unless you find an image whose description specifically says that it is released into public domain (or similar status), any and all images are automatically copyrighted upon their creation and therefore subject to copyright law. So assume that an image is under copyright (even its source is unclear) unless it is in the public domain. Alternatively, you can ask its creator for permission to use it.

You can find sources of public domain imagery on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Public_domain_image_resources

Answer 2

Generally, anything that is not more than 80 years old can be assumed to be copyrighted unless you can prove it was not properly published with copyright notice prior to 1976. Anything created after 1976 is copyrighted until 70 years after the death of the author, or whatever Congress (and treaties) makes it in the mean time.

The more interesting question is "What is it worth?"

Answer 3

There is a new web-app. out called PicScout. (www.PicScout.com) that actually catalogs copyright information for online photos and allows you, once you sign up, to search copyright information for photos on the internet and purchase the rights to the photo. Similar to the pay-per-song model of many music marketplaces.

Answer 4

All photos, logos, images, etc. have automatic copyright protection under US law - a little 'c' with a circle around it is no longer necessary to retain copyright (some companies still do it as a matter of procedure).

Answer 5

Given the lack of formalities in copyright registration, a work is protected as soon is it is fixed; as such, it can be assumed that any work you encounter is protected unless specified otherwise.

Answer 6

Any image appearing online would be protected by copyright unless specified otherwise. For example, some Flickr users choose Creative Commons licenses, and others (often public libraries) specify the images to be in the public domain, but this is clearly noted on the page. Everything else is protected.

Answer 7

Look very closely for this symbol on the bottom right corner ©. I am sure you will certainly know if it is copyright or not.