Member Avatar for PirateTUX

Hello, all...

I'm posting this here because I'm not exactly sure where this sort of discussion should be posted, and since it hinges around some of the graphics that I want to use on my website, I thought I could at least start here.

I'm in the middle of developing a website, which for the moment I'd like to keep under wraps, but the gist of the issue is this: I'd like to be able to use images that I've downloaded from computer hardware OEM's websites (i.e. Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc) on my site. I understand that I need written permission to do so, and that's totally fine. What I'm asking is this: has anyone out there had any experience asking for such permission, and if so, what advice can you give someone who is trying to get said permission. I'm somewhat new to the business, and copyright law is nowhere near my forte.

I searched Daniweb and didn't find any discussion on this issue. I've also spent a good amount of time searching Google, and, while I've found some sites that have outlined WHAT I need to do, they never really go into any sort of detail on HOW it needs to be done.

Thanks for your time!

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and — a few practical next steps and traps to avoid that go beyond “ask permission.”

When a company signs off, capture the permission so it actually protects you. Save the entire permission email (full headers), the exact URL and a screenshot of the OEM page as it appeared on the date you downloaded the image, and any attached asset files. Export or print permissions to PDF and store them with a clear filename (company_image_YYYYMMDD.pdf). Note who signed, their title, the domain(s) covered, and the date the permission was granted.

Ask for a short written license that specifies scope in plain terms: permitted uses (web, social, print, commercial), allowed modifications (crop/retouch), duration, territory, whether sublicensing or resale is allowed, and whether attribution or a specific credit line is required. Confirm whether logos or product names included in the image are subject to separate brand guidelines. If the image shows people, request confirmation that model releases are covered. Prefer a written, dated, signed license from an authorized representative rather than informal or oral approval.

Operational checklist: confirm the permission covers third-party platforms (Facebook, Instagram), ask about revocation policy (can they withdraw permission later?), and keep a one-line credit at the image (for example: “Image used under license from CompanyName, permission dated YYYY-MM-DD”). If anything will be used in advertising or in a way that implies endorsement, get that explicitly clarified. When uncertain, consider a brief review by a lawyer.

For background reading on copyright and trademark distinctions, see the U.S. Copyright Office Copyright Basics and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Trademark basics.

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Member Avatar for PirateTUX

Wow... seriously no thoughts or advice on this?

I've started the process, and am actually getting some positive responses from companies. It would still be nice to hear anything any experts on here have to say about the subject.

Thanks!

Member Avatar for efaith77

I will tell you. There is something called the rules of "Fair Use". I am no expert but I have not had any complaints about using movie covers on my movie review website that I run. I "THINK" you can use images for the use of review and product testing for consumer information. Do not hold me to that. I could be wrong I am a lot

Member Avatar for PirateTUX

I did some research and found information on what you're referring to. I wasn't sure exactly if that applied to me, so I've gone ahead and asked permission from the companies who's images I want to use. So far I've heard back from two, both giving me permission.

I don't think it's any big deal either way, as long as you don't misrepresent the image as your own original work, which I won't be doing on my site, and obviously you're not doing on yours. I also think it would be a much bigger deal if I were making a boatload of cash from the images, which I can tell you I'm not going to be doing. :P

Thanks for your reply!

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