When using existing images and designs in your projects – even for educational use – copyright must be considered.
Freely available images found on the internet are NOT all legally appropriate for use in your designs.
Images you find via web searches may still be protected by copyright; being found online does NOT mean an image is “in the public domain” or free to use. Likewise, absence of a copyright symbol © does not mean the work can be freely used. The graphic designers of Creative Services can provide aid in securing appropriately licensed stock images and other images for which permission to reuse/remake has already been granted.
Producing materials for educational use does NOT automatically mean you have permission to use someone else’s images.
Many people misunderstand copyright as meaning that they can use any image they can find as long as it will be used for educational purposes, but this is not correct. Having an educational purpose is only one of four factors considered when determining what is “fair use.”
When you submit your own designs for production, you take responsibility for the use of any copyrighted or trademarked materials.
Your projects should not include any copyrighted materials or licensed trademarks unless you have clear permissions for reuse. Creative Services will not assume responsibility for any infringement.
Finally, this information is intended as general guidance rather than legal advice. Please consult with ETSU’s Office of University Counsel for any legal questions. For additional information about copyright, please visit the website of the U.S. Copyright Office at Copyright.gov.