3 Tips for Using Copyright-Free Images on Zazzle Products For Sale

There are many different copyright license options for use of images and graphics on Zazzle products for resale.

You can:

• use your own creative works and photography because you own the copyright
• pay for an extended commercial use license to use images and graphics from other artists
• source public domain images and graphics which are no longer under copyright protection

Using copyright-free works is definitely more cost-effective, especially when you are just starting out. But be sure to obtain proof of the source and its copyright-free status for each item. Zazzle is strict about ensuring that no copyright laws are infringed and will swiftly remove any products in violation.

 

Tip #1: Know the Criteria for Use of Public Domain Images on Zazzle Products

In order to resell images and graphics (that are not your own) on Zazzle products, they need to be:

1. copyright free

(in the public domain, CC0 = Creative Commons Zero or Creative Commons Public Domain Mark)

2. allowed to be modified or changed

3. allowed to be used for commercial use

Determining whether something is in the public domain can be quite complex, especially since Zazzle is an international site and copyright laws vary depending on the country. You will want to make sure that you are using items that are considered in the “public domain” based on the date published and/or the time after the creator’s death.

You will have to do your homework. Make sure you have proof (legal or written) that you are using copyright-free images and graphics.

Also, in the United States, pre-1923 works are in the public domain, but this only holds true for published works. Unpublished works are under federal copyright for the life of the author plus 70 years, at a minimum.

If the image or graphic is more recent, make sure it has been designated to be in the “public domain” or has a “Creative Commons Zero license” or “Creative Commons Public Domain Mark”. If a creator has published an image or graphic for use in the public domain and has attached one of these designations, you can be assured that you can use the image.

Tip #2: Be Aware of Exceptions 

I am providing you with some common sites for copyright-free images listed below, however, I am not endorsing or recommending them. Please use only after you check for yourself, whether an image is truly available for use on Zazzle.

Some sites with copyright-free images available for commercial use:

Check the terms of the agreement on each website to ensure the images are copyright free and available for commercial use.

What did you learn from this article?

1. You can use images and graphics on Zazzle, if you hold the copyright, paid for a commercial use license, if the images are in the public domain or if they have a Creative Commons Zero license (copyright free)
2. There are exceptions. Even if the image is in the public domain, it may however still be trademarked and not usable on Zazzle
3. Check and double-check your source, to ensure the images and graphics are truly copyright free and available for use on Zazzle.