The copyright owner of an image found online is typically the person who took or created the photograph. However, in some cases, the copyright may belong to the person or organization who commissioned the photograph as a work made for hire. To determine the copyright owner of an image, you can search the online copyright records database or use image recognition tools such as TinEye or Google's Search By Image. It's important to verify the copyright information and obtain permission from the owner before using an image to avoid legal and financial repercussions. Fair use exceptions may apply in certain cases, but it's best to consult with a legal expert to determine if your intended use falls under this doctrine. Additionally, including a written copyright notice on images used online can help prevent unintentional copyright infringement.