Wikipedia:Media copyright questions
Welcome to the Media Copyright Questions page, a place for help with image copyrights, tagging, non-free content, and related questions. For all other questions please see Wikipedia:Questions.
- How to add a copyright tag to an existing image
- On the description page of the image (the one whose name starts File:), click Edit this page.
- From the page Wikipedia:File copyright tags, choose the appropriate tag:
- For work you created yourself, use one of the ones listed under the heading "For image creators".
- For a work downloaded from the internet, please understand that the vast majority of images from the internet are not appropriate for use on Wikipedia. Exceptions include images from flickr that have an acceptable license, images that are in the public ___domain because of their age or because they were created by the United States federal government, or images used under a claim of fair use. If you do not know what you are doing, please post a link to the image here and ask BEFORE uploading it.
- For an image created by someone else who has licensed their image under an acceptable Creative Commons or other free license, or has released their image into the public ___domain, this permission must be documented. Please see Requesting copyright permission for more information.
- Type the name of the tag (e.g.;
{{Cc-by-4.0}}), not forgetting{{before and}}after, in the edit box on the image's description page. - Remove any existing tag complaining that the image has no tag (for example,
{{untagged}}) - Hit Publish changes.
- If you still have questions, go on to "How to ask a question" below.
- How to ask a question
- To ask a new question hit the "Click here to start a new discussion" link below.
- Please sign your question by typing
~~~~at the end. - Check this page for updates, or request to be notified on your talk page.
- Don't include your email address, for your own privacy. We will respond here and cannot respond by email.
- Note for those replying to posted questions
If a question clearly does not belong on this page, reply to it using the template {{mcq-wrong}} and, if possible, leave a note on the poster's talk page. For copyright issues relevant to Commons where questions arising cannot be answered locally, questions may be directed to Commons:Commons:Village pump/Copyright.
 | If you have a question about a specific image, please be sure to link to it like this: [[:File:Example.jpg]]. (Please note the ":" just before the word File) Thanks! |
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Copyright help HABS, HAES (LoC)
Hello, I think as I often do that I goofed. Are Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record copyright-free resources? Page 16 in "Northwestern Consolidated Elevator "A", 119 Fifth Avenue South, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, MN" (photos and text) seems to me to say the authors' work belongs to MacDonald and Mack Partnership for Minneapolis Riverfront Development Coordination Board, the Minnesota Historical Society, and an author's dissertation (1970s-1980s). I would guess I need to ask for deletion of a number of photos. Thanks for any information. -Susanlesch 03:12, 30 June 2007 (UTC)
- To me, this sounds like the authors of the report used the cited sources as references. I think you're in the clear. howcheng {chat} 02:29, 1 July 2007 (UTC)
- Howcheng, thanks. -Susanlesch 05:18, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
MySpace
If I am uploading a picture of an actor from their MySpace page, are pictures on MySpace considered fair use. - Fernandobouregard 03:26, 30 June 2007 (UTC)
- No, WP:NONFREE does not allow copyrighted images of living people. ShadowHalo 03:36, 30 June 2007 (UTC)
- I am not asking whether or not they allow copyrighted images, I am asking if images on MySpace are considered fair use. - Fernandobouregard 08:23, 30 June 2007 (UTC)
- Myspace images are copyrighted. I think you need to read fair use.Geni 13:16, 30 June 2007 (UTC)
Fondant Image
Hello! I found an image of fondant on Google Images for use in the fondant article. The image is located at Image:fondant.jpg. I was wondering if someone could help me pick a better license for it? Thanks.
Okay, Nevermind. I see a warning that images found on search engines will be deleted. Loof1 03:43, 30 June 2007 (UTC)
Images created using Google Earth
I have an image of a driven route that I used Google Earth to map out. This image illustrates the difference in the route with and without ferry service for the Gee's Bend, Alabama article. Is it legal and correct to use Google Earth based imagery in a Wikipedia page? Jasgrider 05:24, 30 June 2007 (UTC)
- No, you cannot. Google earth images are copyrighted. Since anyone could draw a free map that shows the same thing, there is not a good claim for fair use. I would suggest that you draw an image (perhaps based on Google maps, because Google maps can't copyright the underlying geography that it's mapping) and upload that under a free license if you want a similar illustration. Calliopejen1 05:51, 30 June 2007 (UTC)
Possible problem with Cicso images I uploaded
I was left a message by user User:Adamantios stating that the following photos are not logo's and to supply fair use rationale. I used the logo tag for these photos because I saw this is how another editor used the logo tag for a photo of a computer harware item. The photo in question came from glossy print material and others came from the company website. And the snap server was emailed to me by the company and I was told the photo was given in all there promotional material. In all, all the photos are promotional photos from vendors to promote a product. They are used in Wiki not to promote a product but rather used to explain what such items look like. Could you please explain how to tag these items and are they not covered under fair use? How do I tag them for fair use? What about {{Non-free promotional}}example of one image [[Image:Cisco7600seriesrouter.jpg]]—Thanks! --akc9000 (talk • contribs • count) 11:59, 30 June 2007 (UTC)
- At first glance, it looks like all the photos you uploaded [1] save the bookcover could be replaced with free photographs of the products, and thus fail WP:NFCC #1. nadav (talk) 14:12, 30 June 2007 (UTC)
- Don't really see a place where you could take a photo of an actual runningpiece of equipement that costs over a million dollars. ISP really are not interested in letting you in to take a photo of thier secure ___location. Cisco CRS-1 for example. These photos are all from glossy prints from advertising material. Could you please explain to me the issue. I even called SnapServer up to make sure it was ok with them and Cisco as well. I would think this tag would handle this issue:{{Non-free promotional}} From promotional ad material supplied by vendor to promote this product. There are no free replacement photos available that would show this item and or class of product.
--akc9000 (talk • contribs • count) 16:30, 30 June 2007 (UTC)
- It's not a matter of whether it's ok with the companies; the question is whether it will be possible for someone to eventually obtain free images of any of these products. You should take this question to Wikipedia:Fair use review. nadav (talk) 04:55, 1 July 2007 (UTC)
- Agreed! So this is exactly why I included these photos. The CRS-1 run the Internet backbone and are in secure locations. Holds true for the 7600 series routers too. No one is going to let you into a secure computer room so you can take a picture of one. Its a securty risk. I properly tagged the photos and added fair use information. --akc9000 (talk • contribs • count) 12:23, 1 July 2007 (UTC)
- It's not a matter of whether it's ok with the companies; the question is whether it will be possible for someone to eventually obtain free images of any of these products. You should take this question to Wikipedia:Fair use review. nadav (talk) 04:55, 1 July 2007 (UTC)
- Don't really see a place where you could take a photo of an actual runningpiece of equipement that costs over a million dollars. ISP really are not interested in letting you in to take a photo of thier secure ___location. Cisco CRS-1 for example. These photos are all from glossy prints from advertising material. Could you please explain to me the issue. I even called SnapServer up to make sure it was ok with them and Cisco as well. I would think this tag would handle this issue:{{Non-free promotional}} From promotional ad material supplied by vendor to promote this product. There are no free replacement photos available that would show this item and or class of product.
--akc9000 (talk • contribs • count) 16:30, 30 June 2007 (UTC)
Help with image again
With regard to this image which I asked a question about yesterday: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Benoitring.jpg
The author of the image on Flickr granted permission to release the photo under the GNU Free Documentation license. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v452/bbsrock/flickr.jpg
How can I incorporate this into the page for the image so it can be used in the article? Bbsrock 15:58, 30 June 2007 (UTC)
- All this shows is that you asked him about it. Don't change the tags on the image until it is confirmed. — Moe ε 19:52, 30 June 2007 (UTC)
- You will need to have the author send an email to permissions-en@wikimedia.org referencing the file name on Wikipedia and stating he is releasing it under the GFDL. See Wikipedia:Permissions. Then leave a message when that has been done and someone will dig out the info and add it to the image. If the image is deleted in the meantime it's ok, we can undelete it if necessary. -N 19:54, 30 June 2007 (UTC)
- The author sent in an email releasing the image under GFDL. If someone could find it and indicate the appropriate information on the image, I'd appreciate it. Bbsrock 02:14, 1 July 2007 (UTC)
Cillian Murphy photo
I believe I've found a photo that would be acceptable for the Cillian Murphy page: http://flickr.com/photos/mirka23/48909664/. The photographer's Flickr notes say that it can be used for noncommercial purposes as long as there's attribution. This is the first image I've ever tried to add to Wiki, and I'm pretty confused by all the reading I've done so far about how to do it properly, so thanks in advance for your help.
- Is this photo OK to add?
- If so, can I crop it?
- And what are the steps I need to take to insure that it is not deleted? (Links to procedures pages would be much appreciated.)
- If this photo is not OK to add, do you have a suggestion for how to find an acceptable photo of this actor?
--Melty girl 22:05, 30 June 2007 (UTC)
- No, this picture could not be used on Wikipedia. You'll see the license includes the
icon, meaning that the image cannot be used commercially, which goes against Wikipedia's license. You may want to FlickrMail the user if you have a Flickr account to see if she will release it under just an Attribution license. If she agrees, you can upload it to the Wikimedia Commons (cropping it is fine). The upload page has a page especially for Flickr images, along with a template for them. ShadowHalo 23:58, 30 June 2007 (UTC)
- Thanks for the quick answer! --Melty girl 04:47, 1 July 2007 (UTC)
Ann and Laura
I managed to get permission from the copyright manager of RCA for use of the image Ann_and_Laura_JPEGjpg. This image was taken from the sleeve of an RCA recording. He stated that RCA Sony have no issue about the use of this image on Wikipedia (Jason Lundy 28/06/07 RCA Sony BMG). I have since added this to the Licence section under 'Fair Use' is this the correct categorie, as I could not see anything else applicable. There didn't appear to be a catagorie if permission was obtained.88.105.218.255 23:39, 30 June 2007 (UTC)
- The generic licensing tag for copyrighted images being used under WP:NONFREE is {{Non-free fair use in}}. Images being used under WP:NONFREE that have permission for use on Wikipedia should be tagged with {{withpermission}}. I've added these tags, but you need to write a fair use rationale explaining why the image meets the criteria for using copyrighted media, if it does. ShadowHalo 00:04, 1 July 2007 (UTC)
U.S. government OK, how about Canada?
Are images that are from a Canadian federal government source allowed? I'm not up-to-date on my international copyright law. Thanks, Dmp348 01:15, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
- No, they are under Crown copyright. ShadowHalo 01:18, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
My pic i posted
i got a email saying i needeed to put a tag on my picture i uploaded, how do i do this. And i had uploaded my picture to put on the Tanya tucker page, put i dont know how, can you do this for me?
- Did you take this photo yourself? If so, go to Wikipedia:Image_tags#For_image_creators and decide which free license you would like to release the photo under. Then go tothe image page and click "edit this page." In the editing box, explain that you took the photo and paste in the license tag you have chosen. If you did not take the picture, tell us where you got it and we can help you tag it properly. Calliopejen1 10:08, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
Cillian Murphy photo, part 2
Hello again -- I contacted the photographer and asked her if she would be comfortable changing the license as you advised. She responded by doing that and adding the photo herself to the Cillian Murphy page: Image:Cillianmurphy.jpg. Does everything look correct? Thank you! --Melty girl 06:36, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
- It's almost there! Make sure that your friend understands that she must release the photo so everyone can use it, not just wikipedia. If she is ok with that, you should change the text on the image page so that it no longer says "grant the rights for use on Wikipedia." (If she is not ok with that, we can't use the image on wikipedia either. Come back here and we can help you get it removed from the site and advise how to change the licensing info on flickr.) Calliopejen1 10:10, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
- All set now, thank you so much! --Melty girl 01:05, 3 July 2007 (UTC)
Request for assistance with rationale
User:BetacommandBot says that there is a problem with the rationale I suppied for image Image:Kerbango.jpg; however, since I've already done everything posted in the warning I have no idea what else may be required.
What more detailed advice can you provide?
- Unfortunately a free picture of this device could be found, so it must be deleted under WP:NFCC#1. Actually I'm going to replace your picture with a free one I found on Flickr. -N 19:55, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
- Well, since the product was never commercially released you may have been able to make an argument the picture was irreplaceable..except a free image has now been substituted. Thanks for writing a fine article about the Kerbango :) -N 00:20, 3 July 2007 (UTC)
Question About Correct License Tag to Use...
Had a question about License tagging for Image:Alex Mandossian 11.jpg.
The image is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Alex_Mandossian_11.jpg
Not sure of the specfic license tagging for the image, or the coding to insert that tagging on the page.
- This image is a publicity photo.
- Copyright holder (Alex Mandossian) gave permission to use this photo freely on Wikipedia.org and any website, as well as several other photos available from http://www.alexmandossian.com/about/. This discussion took place via phone conversation with Alex Mandossian on 6/29/07.
- Url from this image is: http://www.askmylist.com/alexpics/images/Alex11_jpg.jpg and again is listed on this page: http://www.alexmandossian.com/about/.
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you. Author07 16:20, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
- The correct copyright tag would be {{db-noncom}}. Sadly, your image will be deleted soon because Wikipedia does not accept images for use "by permission only" and it does not accept non-free (libre free, see Gratis versus Libre) images of living people. Please see WP:NFCC. -N 22:54, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
what tage should I use for an image that already exists on wikipedia...
this image is taken from an image on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Day_Today
what copyright tag should I use?
--Soul Reaper 19:22, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
- You cannot use a fair use image to illustrate Chris Morris himself. The other image is being used to illustrate his TV show. I'm afraid you image will be deleted. Please read WP:NFCC especially number 1 to understand why. -N 19:36, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
Blanxwhitening.Jpg
can you have pictures of packaging bearing the manufacturers logo on wikipedia? Michaelsurtees 19:56, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
- Maybe. If you're looking for a free image it depends how close up the image is to the packaging and several other factors. The image should be fine as fair use, as long as you took the picture yourself. Using somebody else's picture of the packaging subjects the image to a potential double copyright, on the item and on the picture. -N 20:04, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
The Confusion about Copyright and Images
I have uploaded my company's corporate information and am trying to add our official photographs of the facilities and product images. The copyright of the images rightfully belongs to my company as we commissioned a photographer to take the photographs.
In this case, what is the copyright category that our photographs are under?
- For images like Image:Mint Facade - High Res.jpg to be used on Wikipedia, they must be released under a free license. (Occasionally wikipedia allows copyrighted photos not under free licenses, but only if they are irreplaceable historic images, which this one is not.) You can look throughWp:ict#For_image_creators and see if there are any free licenses you would like to release the image under. Note that all free licenses must allow commercial use of the image by any party, as well as modification of the image. If none of these licenses are acceptable to you, the image must be deleted. Also, please read WP:COI if you are writing an article about your own museum--this is normally discouraged. Calliopejen1 10:23, 3 July 2007 (UTC)
- I also see that an image you uploaded of your company's logo has been deleted. For a company logo, fair use is normally appropriate on the article about the company. The appropriate tag is {{logo}}. Calliopejen1 10:25, 3 July 2007 (UTC)
