If you’re a vendor promoting your business through a website, Facebook page, LinkedIn, online ads, or videos—this message is for you.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of grabbing a photo off Google or saving an image from Pinterest to use in your marketing. After all, it’s just a picture, right? Wrong. Using an image without proper licensing can cost you a lot more than you think.
Why This Matters
Photographers, stock agencies, and content licensing companies like Pixsy, Getty Images, and Shutterstock actively patrol the internet looking for their images being used without permission. They use powerful image recognition software to track down unauthorized usage, even from posts or websites that are years old.
And when they find them?
The Fines Can Be Hefty
Fines for using copyrighted photos without a license can range anywhere from $150 to $1,500 per image—and in some cases, much more. Some photographers have pursued legal action, which has resulted in fines in the tens of thousands of dollars.
And here’s the kicker: they can backdate those claims. If you used a photo two years ago on an old Facebook ad and forgot about it, they can still come after you today.
“But I Found It Online for Free!”
Unfortunately, “free” doesn’t mean “free to use commercially.” Many photos you see online are copyrighted—even if they’re not watermarked. Unless the image explicitly comes with a commercial-use license, assume it’s protected.
Even images from free stock sites like Unsplash, Pexels, or Pixabay come with usage rules. Misusing them or modifying them beyond allowed terms can still get you in trouble.
Protect Yourself and Your Brand
Here’s how you can stay safe:
- Buy images from reputable stock sites like Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, or Depositphotos.
- Use free image libraries with clear licensing for commercial use (and always read the terms!).
- Hire a photographer or graphic designer to create custom content.
- Consider using AI-generated or royalty-free visuals tailored to your brand.
- Keep a record of where every image came from and the license or proof of permission.
Services Like Pixsy Don’t Mess Around
Tools like Pixsy are used by photographers and agencies to automatically detect and report image misuse. These services can send official takedown notices and demand payment for past use. They don’t care if you didn’t know it was copyrighted—they care that you used it without permission.
A Final Word
As a vendor, your online presence is a vital part of your business. But protecting your brand also means respecting the creative work of others. One “borrowed” image can lead to expensive and unnecessary legal trouble.
Play it safe, use properly licensed photos, and avoid being on the wrong side of a copyright claim.
