Using copywrited images for Facebook ads, is it allowed?

[LiveEntrepreneur]

So I had a great idea for my Facebook ads, though it would require some of the Facebook ad image to have a picture of a cartoon character in a certain scene of the cartoon, would this be a problem for me legally you think? I can't seem to find any information on this. I don't want to be getting legal letters sent my way lol.

 

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[UK_Mike]

I am no expert, but I would expect that if you want to use a copyright image to sell your product / service, you're going to need to get permission from the copyright holder.

A local takeaway used to be called "Popeye's", and have a drawing of the cartoon character on and around the place. This was a little shop in a small town in northern England, obviously not anything to do with whoever owns the rights to the cartoon character, but it didn't take long before it changed to "Pop-fry's" and didn't have the same pictures up.

 

[Kid]

@UK_Mike is right, using any of copyrighted images - except for "quoting" laws for journalism - is illegal.

 

[Rabby]

Find the agency or office that manages IP licensing for the cartoon character, and then you may be able to use it. Some might have standard rates, others might be very protective of how the IP is used. When you get images from Shutterstock or other services, you're doing the same thing, just in a more streamlined way.

 

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[Johnny boy]

You are likely not big enough of a company to worry about it. Go see if the ad is even profitable before worrying too much about that.

 

[LiveEntrepreneur]

Find the agency or office that manages IP licensing for the cartoon character, and then you may be able to use it. Some might have standard rates, others might be very protective of how the IP is used. When you get images from Shutterstock or other services, you're doing the same thing, just in a more streamlined way.

I've contacted one, though I imagine it might take some time to get a reply. Better wait I guess than a lawsuit haha

 

[LiveEntrepreneur]

@UK_Mike is right, using any of copyrighted images - except for "quoting" laws for journalism - is illegal.

Ah ok so for example if i was to watch an episode of bugs bunny, pause it at a certain section and take a screenshot of that frame and use it for ads that would be illegal yea?

 

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[UK_Mike]

Ah ok so for example if i was to watch an episode of bugs bunny, pause it at a certain section and take a screenshot of that frame and use it for ads that would be illegal yea?

I'd think so. You're using someone else's image (the original hand-drawn cartoon image) which will be copyright, and you'll be implying that Bugs is agreeing to advertise your product, which is probably a no-no as well.

 

[Kid]

Ah ok so for example if i was to watch an episode of bugs bunny, pause it at a certain section and take a screenshot of that frame and use it for ads that would be illegal yea?

That's according to law.
Also what Mike wrote: it might be seen that ad claims that Warner Bros (bugs bunny rights owner) is endorsing your product which is in violation of Section 43 of Lanham Act.

The long way would be to try license this picture.
Who knows, maybe they'll license it.

I'd think so. You're using someone else's image (the original hand-drawn cartoon image) which will be copyright, and you'll be implying that Bugs is agreeing to advertise your product, which is probably a no-no as well.

 

[LiveEntrepreneur]

Interesting points thanks all , I think I'll wait for a reply from their team

 

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[Kung Fu Steve]

Canva allows you to pay their subscription and use all copyright images for personal or professional use.

Why are you worrying so much? Pay the money and run the ads. If those ads are profitable... who cares what it costs to run them?

 

[Onakosa]

So I had a great idea for my Facebook ads, though it would require some of the Facebook ad image to have a picture of a cartoon character in a certain scene of the cartoon, would this be a problem for me legally you think? I can't seem to find any information on this. I don't want to be getting legal letters sent my way lol.

Facebook ask you to confirm that you have copyright clearance on any pics you use. If you say yes then, strictly speaking, you’re not telling the truth. I’d be concerned about having my FB ad account suspended (but I’m a marketer so that’s a big deal for me!)

 

[Jon L]

I usually agree with 'you're small, no ones cares.' But ... in this case, various copyright holders have automated tools that help them out. They can scan for their images automatically, and then send people that don't have a license a bill for $1500 (or whatever they deem appropriate) Don't pay it, and you'll get sued and owe a lot more than that.

Don't do it.

 

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