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Home/Key Documents for Contributors/Copyright Issues and Sources for Images

                 Draft October 2020:  Not yet approved

Please do not download this document, since it will be regularly updated and we would like to ensure that you have access to the latest version.  

We do appreciate your comments and suggestions. Email [email protected]

Aside from observing copyright, always ensure that the images and text you use meet DAUK Compliance Guidelines and reflect the values of DAUK. 

Table of Contents

Images: General Guidance

  • You must do your own check on the copyright status of the images you use.
  • In general, some images will be free of copyright, request attribution, or require a license which will often entail payment.
  • If you own a personal or business account with sources that provide images, please check the T&Cs of the subscription; it might be necessary to obtain a fresh license for use by DAUK as ‘rights’ cannot be transferred to a DAUK committee. 
  • If using any photos or videos taken by members of DAUK at our events, ensure that
    • people have been informed that photos taken of them at the event may appear on this DAUK website or social media.
    • If people are named in the photo or video, ensure their consent. For more specific guidance please refer to the Compliance Dashboard Guide for the Website.

Text: General Guidance

  • UK ‘fair dealing’ is more restrictive than the US ‘fair use’: Be very attentive.
    • Some short extracts from texts (academic or think tank publications) might be capable of being deemed suitable for  ‘fair dealing’ (UK)  as long as attribution/citation is provided.
    • Do not make excessive use of the material.
    • Check fair use very carefully. 
  • Since we are based in the UK, we must abide by ‘fair dealing’.
    • It can only be fair dealing if used for a specific purpose, such as criticism or discussion of the work itself.
    • If in doubt, do not assume that you can use it.

Guides to Copyright – suggested links

The official UK government guide for an explanation of ‘fair dealing’ guide:

Written works:  text, graphs, charts in publications (need more sources) 

“You can quote without needing copyright permission if all of the following apply:

 • the work you are quoting from has been previously published; 

• the use is fair dealing; 

• you quote ‘no more than is required by the specific purpose for which it is used’;

 • the use is genuinely for the purpose of quotation; and

• you include proper acknowledgement.”

Please note:  if you have a professional subscription that gives you access to publications that have restricted distribution (e.g. as an academic, lawyer or medical professional), you might not be able to make that content (even using just a short quote) and sources available to the public via the website. This discussion of the US ‘fair use’ on ‘Fair Use’ Rule: When Use of Copyrighted Material Is Acceptable’ has some useful discussion about using text extracts.   

 Sources for photos and graphics

Photos: Sources

Be very wary of using Google images since many are from photographer sources, such as Getty Images, which are usually copyrighted and may require a fee. 

Always caption/credit the source whenever possible. 

Suggested Sources

Links to good quality photos, including some that are ‘Creative Commons licensed’:

Democrats Abroad sources: Wiki Page

Provides a range of graphics that can be used by any Democrats Abroad Country Committee

https://wiki.democratsabroad.org/display/Logos/Logos+and+Graphics+Home

Other sources for graphics and photos 

https://blog.snappa.com/free-stock-photos/ –  links to a good range of photo/image sites, but not all are copyright/account free. Check each image before using.

https://stocksnap.io/ – not all are copyright/account free, so check each image.

https://www.freepik.com/ – free icons etc. but many appear to require an account

https://shutterstock.com  royalty free but you may have to open an account and pay a monthly charge to download and use their photos or graphics.

Specific issues: Political infographics, Book Covers, Videos

Many political infographics are designed to be shared and freely available, but always check their copyright status and whether attribution is required.

Book covers:  A  book cover or jacket is a creative work and the creator is generally not the author of the book itself; it is art or photography and not part of the book.

It is not always clear who holds the copyright and under what circumstances you can display an image of a book. While we are seeking specific guidance, In the meantime, please follow these suggestions:

  • Email the publisher/author about using the cover image (normally they respond quickly and are happy to get ‘free’ advertising,
  • Use an image related to the main topic of the book,
  • Use only the title of the book.

Videos:  Online information is variable.

Extract from Film Committee Permissions Guide – a relatively strict interpretation:   

“Just because a video is on YouTube or other public sites that does not mean that you can automatically use it. Just as with every other broadcast medium, videos are copyrighted by the creator, and you will need permission to use the video. Do note that sometimes films or videos are uploaded to YouTube by people who do not hold the copyright and who are not authorized to upload it – so be vigilant!

How to find who holds the copyright: 

YouTube

Under each YouTube video, it will say “uploaded by” – followed by a username that is a clickable link. If you click on the username link, you will go to the person’s YouTube channel. In the person’s profile, you will find more information about them. They may include terms of use for their videos in the profile, but not many people do this.

If there is not a ‘terms of use’ statement, then you will need to contact them. 

If their email address is listed, you can send them an email. If there is no email address listed, you can still use the Send Message link at the top of the profile section to send a message from your official YouTube account to their account. Use your @democratsabroad.org.uk email account to make this request, not your personal email. Since any @democratsabroad.org.uk is a Google account, each official @democratsabroad.org.uk automatically has a YouTube account, so you do not have to set this up. 

If they have a website listed, visit the site to see if there are instructions for use of the videos on their site.

Videos on other sites: 

You need to determine who actually holds the copyright  and seek permission from the copyright holder. A site may be making use of a video (with license or permission) on their site but do not hold the copyright.  

– End of Document-

These sources were compiled by the DAUK Women’s Caucus, and the Film Committee in 2017, and updated and revised August 4  2020 by Elaine C and Eva R. Revised by Elaine C and Asha S on August 26 2020.  Style edits revised on February 7, 2021 by Eva R.   

We are seeking a review of this guidance by a UK specialist in IP and Copyright law. This document to be updated and approved by DAUK Chair and Legal Counsel

Please send your recommendations of sources for images to [email protected]

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