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.

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer

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.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.