Scottsdale, AZ asked in Copyright for Arizona

Q: Is it copyright infringement if my site is designed so users can find the brands in the photos used? Like a search engin

I have created a search engine for users to find coaches, mentors and course creators.

Currently I find the course creator and then create a profile for them that becomes searchable on the site. The profile has a featured image and main image that are both used from that creators Facebook page. In the profile I include a link to their course or coaching as well as all their social media. I also include their books if they have them which I have affiliate links setup through amazon. Some of the course creators have also given me affiliate links to share so I can also benefit from sending them traffic to their site.

The feature image and the main image are the photos in question. I do have permission from about 20% of the creators on my site.

I did have one creator right when the site launched request that they be removed and I did it immediately.

My site does have a blog but all those photos I pay for or create myself.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Erik Špila
Erik Špila
Answered
  • Intellectual Property Lawyer
  • Senec, Slovakia

A: Hello there dear Mrs or Mrs,

in this particular case I would say it can be potential copyright infringement and also some other rights infringement.

At first these unless these people grant you permission to be publicly visible on your website, you do not have proper consent to include them on your website. Plainly speaking, they might not want to be on your website and you should respect this.

If you have any questions regarding this, contact me anytime.

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