When Purchasing Stock Images: Attribution Rules and Legal Considerations

When dealing with stock images, understanding the licensing terms and attribution requirements is crucial for ensuring compliance with ethical and legal standards. This article aims to clarify common concerns and provide guidance on how to handle situations where an artist is working with multiple platforms, such as Freepik and Shutterstock, and users are interested in purchasing a license from one of the platforms rather than the other.

Attribution and Licensing Basics

Stock image platforms like Freepik and Shutterstock often present different licensing options based on their terms of service. These licensing agreements typically include provisions regarding attribution, usage, and any restrictions on the alteration or distribution of the images. It is important to understand these terms before making a purchase or using the image in any projects.

Freepik's Licensing Terms

Freepik generally requires attribution for all free downloads. However, they also offer a paid option that allows users to use the images without attributing them. When purchasing a work from Shutterstock, there is no need to provide credit to Freepik, as you have obtained the license directly from Shutterstock. Attribution is a critical part of the licensing agreement with Freepik, and failing to provide it can result in copyright infringement issues.

Shutterstock's Licensing Terms

Shutterstock also offers two main types of licenses: a standard license and a no-attribution license. The no-attribution license allows for commercial use without the need to credit the original artist, whereas the standard license requires attribution. The specific requirements are detailed in the purchase agreement, and users should make sure to read and understand them before making a purchase.

Understanding Dual Licensing

In many cases, artists make their work available on various platforms like Freepik and Shutterstock to maximize their reach and sales. This dual licensing approach allows for greater flexibility and can help artists gain more exposure for their work. However, it is important to note that the licensing terms and attribution requirements can vary between these platforms.

Usage Rights and Restrictions

When purchasing an image from Shutterstock, you are bound to follow the terms of your license agreement with Shutterstock. This includes any specific usage rights and restrictions, such as whether the image can be modified, reused, or distributed. It is not uncommon for images to have additional small print terms that may affect their usage, even if they are offered for free on other platforms like Freepik.

Checking for Copyright Restrictions

Even if an image is available for free on a platform like Freepik, it may still contain copyrighted elements that require attribution or other usage restrictions. It is always a good practice to review the terms and conditions of each platform before making any assumptions about the usage rights of an image. This ensures that you are in compliance with all relevant licensing agreements and avoid any potential legal issues.

Conclusion

When purchasing stock images from platforms like Freepik and Shutterstock, it is essential to understand and comply with the licensing terms and attribution requirements of the specific platform you have chosen. Freepik requires attribution for free downloads, while Shutterstock offers both attribution and no-attribution options. The specific terms and conditions of your purchase agreement should be your primary reference for usage rights and restrictions.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your use of stock images is both ethical and compliant with legal requirements, protecting both yourself and the original artists.