If permission to use a copyrighted photo is not granted, what should you do?

If permission to use a copyrighted photo is not granted, what should you do?

• A. Do not use the materials
• B. Use under fair use anyway
• C. Seek a license without asking permission
• D. Replace with a similar stock image

Answer: (A)

Not using the photo is the safest and most responsible choice when you don’t have permission to use it. Copyright gives the creator control over how their work is used, displayed, and distributed, so including the image without a license or permission risks infringement. Fair use isn’t a guaranteed exception; it depends on factors like purpose, nature, amount used, and the effect on the market, and it’s often not a clear or reliable defense for a regular project. The practical path is to replace the image with something you’re licensed to use or have created yourself, or otherwise obtain the right to use an image.

Not using the photo is the safest and most responsible choice when you don’t have permission to use it. Copyright gives the creator control over how their work is used, displayed, and distributed, so including the image without a license or permission risks infringement. Fair use isn’t a guaranteed exception; it depends on factors like purpose, nature, amount used, and the effect on the market, and it’s often not a clear or reliable defense for a regular project. The practical path is to replace the image with something you’re licensed to use or have created yourself, or otherwise obtain the right to use an image.