Copyright images from the Internet (Google searches)

Individuals often use images from internet searches for professional presentations. However, many of those images are copyrighted and should not be used. Even if used innocently in blogs, websites and PowerPoint presentations, there can be legal and financial consequences for misuse of downloaded images. It’s always prudent to start by assuming that the image is protected by copyright law in your own country and around the world. Do research to determine if the image is protected by copyright and if so, obtain permission before using the image. For tips on copyright and using Google images, see Find free-to-use images.

See Copyright Compliance Policy (PDF)

Music or Video Content:

When creating online content (whether for use publicly or on the Hopkins intranet), individuals occasionally seek to include clips from movies or television shows or popular song recordings. Nearly all such content is copyright property of third parties, such as film production and music record companies, whose permission must be obtained before any such use. In fact, major rights holding organizations for movies, songs, and images have systems which automatically search social media for copyright content, and impose fines and penalties for unauthorized usage.  Thus, as with images, unlicensed use of such content may expose Johns Hopkins to significant financial and legal risk.  If any use of songs, images, or movie clips is contemplated, please contact Brand Management.

Be aware that the major rights holding organizations for movies, songs, and images have systems which automatically search social media for copyright content.  

Please click here to submit a request.