Using images from Google on your website: copyright risks

Key takeaways

Do not use images found through Google search on your business website unless you have permission or a licence. In the UK, copyright applies automatically to photographs and illustrations, and photo agencies actively look for unlicensed use and send claims. Use your own photos, licensed stock with terms that cover business use, or properly attributed Creative Commons images.

• Most images online are protected by copyright, even without a notice.
• Crediting the photographer does not replace permission.
• Keep a record of the licence for every image you use.
• Your own photos avoid the risk and build trust.

Can you use images from Google on your website?

Google search shows images from across the web; it does not license them. Most are owned by photographers, agencies or businesses. Using one on your website without permission can infringe copyright. Google Images has a filter for usage rights, but you still need to check and follow each licence.

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How does UK copyright apply to images?

In the UK, copyright protects original photographs and artwork automatically from creation, with no need to register or display a symbol. The owner controls copying and publishing. The Intellectual Property Office's guidance explains how copyright protects work and what permission is needed.

This is general information, not legal advice. If you receive a claim, take advice before responding.

Why do copyright claims arrive?

Photo agencies and photographers use image-matching tools to find their images online, then write asking for a licence fee, often backdated. Claims can arrive years after an image was added, sometimes by a previous web designer. Saying you did not know, or that you credited the source, does not usually remove liability.

What are safer sources of images?

There are safe options for every budget.

• Your own photos of your team, premises and work.
• A professional photographer, with rights agreed in writing.
• Paid stock libraries with a licence covering business use.
• Free stock libraries, after reading their licence terms.
• Creative Commons images, following the exact licence and attribution.
• Images supplied by manufacturers or partners, with permission.

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What does a Creative Commons licence allow?

Creative Commons licences let creators allow reuse on set conditions. Some require attribution, some forbid commercial use, some forbid changes. A business website is usually commercial use, so check the licence allows it and give the credit in the form required.

How do you keep a record?

Keep a simple list of every image on your site: where it came from, the licence, the date and any attribution. Store licence receipts. If a claim arrives, you can answer quickly. When you take over a site from a previous designer, ask for this list or audit the images.

• Who owns your website, domain and content?

What does this look like in practice?

A pattern we see: a site built years ago by a freelancer uses images nobody can trace, and a licence claim arrives for one of them. Replacing untraceable images with the business's own photos removes the risk and usually makes the site more convincing.

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Image rights checklist

• List every image on the site and its source.
• Remove any image you cannot trace.
• Keep licences and receipts.
• Check stock licences cover business use.
• Follow Creative Commons terms exactly.
• Agree photo rights with photographers in writing.

Next step

Pick five images on your homepage and write down where each came from. Replace any you cannot answer for.