**Copyright law applies even if you don't make a profit**, so using copyrighted images on a product without permission is still illegal, even if you're not selling the product for a profit.
**Finding an image online doesn't mean it's free to use**.
Just because an image is publicly available online doesn't mean the copyright holder has given permission for anyone to use it.
**The "fair use" doctrine is complex**.
While it allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission, it's often difficult to determine whether a particular use qualifies as "fair use."
**CC licenses are not the same as public domain**.
Creative Commons licenses are permissions granted by the copyright holder, while public domain means the work is no longer protected by copyright.
**Reading licenses carefully is crucial**.
CC licenses can have varying restrictions, such as non-commercial use or attribution requirements.
**Embedding images or videos can be legal, but has limitations**.
Embedding content from another website can be considered legal under US copyright law, but this only applies if the content is not cached or stored on your server.
**Google Images search results may not reveal the original source**.
Even if you search for an image on Google, the results may not lead you to the original copyright holder or the terms of use.
**Licensing platforms can provide legal access to original images**.
Platforms like EyeEm Market allow photographers to license their images to users, providing a legal way to access original content.
**Creating your own images is always the safest option**.
Taking your own photos or creating original graphics eliminates the risk of copyright infringement.
**Image owners have the right to claim compensation**.
If you use a copyrighted image without permission, the owner can demand compensation, even if you didn't intend to infringe on their rights.
**Verifying the original source of an image can be difficult**.
Even with online tools, it may be hard to determine the original source of an image, making it difficult to obtain permission or verify licensing terms.
**Manufacturer-supplied product images may not be high-quality or customizable**.
Using low-resolution or blurry images supplied by manufacturers can negatively impact your product's appearance, and taking your own photos can provide better results.