Check Copyrighted or Trademarked Image, Domain, Audio, or Video

You've found the perfect image for your client's website. The ideal domain name for your new brand. A background track that would make your video amazing. But wait — is it legal to use?

Copyright and trademark infringement are among the fastest ways to get sued, have your content taken down, or lose your freelance income. Yet most creators, designers, and business owners don't know how to check what's protected and what's free to use.

73%

of freelancers have used unlicensed content unknowingly (Freelancers Union, 2024)

$150,000

Maximum statutory damages per copyrighted work infringed

47%

of small businesses received cease & desist letters for trademark issues

In this complete guide, you'll learn exactly how to verify if an image, domain name, audio, or video is copyrighted or trademarked. Whether you're a graphic designer creating Print on Demand products, a freelancer working for clients, or a business owner building a brand — these steps will protect you from legal headaches.

Golden Rule: When in doubt, assume it's protected. "But I found it on Google" is not a legal defense. Always verify before you use. This guide covers 25+ verification methods across all media types.

Complete Guide Contents

Copyright vs. Trademark

International Laws

Images (8 Methods)

Domains (6 Methods)

Audio (7 Methods)

Video (5 Methods)

Fonts & Graphics

For Clients

For Freelancers

For POD Designers

Real Case Studies

15+ FAQs

Copyright vs. Trademark: What's the Difference?

Before we dive into checking, understand what you're looking for:

Copyright

Protects original creative works: images, music, videos, writings, software. Automatically applies when created. Lasts author's life + 70 years (generally).

Examples: Photographs, song recordings, movie scenes, book text

Symbol: © or none (automatic)

Trademark

Protects brand identifiers: names, logos, slogans, domain names. Must be registered (™ or ®). Prevents confusion in marketplace.

Examples: Nike swoosh, "Just Do It", Apple logo

Symbol: ™ (unregistered) or ® (registered)

Why this matters: Using a copyrighted image without permission = infringement. Using a trademarked name for your product = infringement. Both can lead to lawsuits, takedowns, and financial penalties.

International Copyright Laws You Must Know

Copyright laws vary by country, but most follow international treaties:

• Berne Convention: 181 countries recognize copyright automatically without registration
• US: Library of Congress registration required for lawsuits
• EU: Copyright lasts author's life + 70 years; database rights exist
• UK: Similar to EU, with "fair dealing" exceptions
• China: Registration recommended despite Berne membership
• India: 60 years from author's death

When in doubt, assume the stricter law applies if you operate internationally.

How to Check If an Image Is Copyrighted (8 Methods)

Images are the most commonly misused assets. Here's a step-by-step process:

1. Reverse Image Search

• Google Images (click camera icon)
• TinEye — finds where image appears online
• Yandex Images — better for finding sources
• Baidu Images — for Chinese sources
• If it appears on stock sites (Getty, Shutterstock), it's likely copyrighted.

2. Check Metadata (EXIF)

• Download image and check properties (Windows: right-click > Properties > Details)
• Mac: Get Info, look for copyright field
• Use ExifTool or online EXIF viewers
• Metadata can be stripped, but sometimes reveals the creator.

3. Look for Watermarks

• Obvious watermarks = copyrighted stock image
• Even if cropped, using it is illegal.
• Check edges for remnants of watermarks

4. Check License Type

• Look for Creative Commons (CC0, BY, SA, NC, ND)
• Public Domain (CC0, or pre-1928 in US)
• Read license terms carefully — some require attribution, some prohibit commercial use

5. Check Source Website

• Does the site say "All rights reserved"?
• Look for Terms of Use or Copyright page
• "Free wallpaper" sites often contain illegal uploads

6. Search Copyright Databases

• US Copyright Office (for registered works)
• UK Copyright Service
• WIPO databases

7. Contact the Creator

• If you find the original photographer/artist, ask permission
• Get written permission (email is sufficient)

8. Use AI Detection Tools

• TinEye Labs — AI-based matching
• Pixsy — monitors image usage

Where to Find Free-to-Use Images (Safe Sources)

• Unsplash — free for commercial use, no attribution needed
• Pixabay — millions of free images
• Pexels — free stock photos
• Creative Commons Search — filter by license
• Wikimedia Commons — public domain and CC images
• The Met Museum Open Access — public domain art
• NASA Image Library — government work (public domain)

Warning: "Free wallpaper" sites often contain copyrighted images uploaded illegally. Always verify. In 2023, Getty Images sued a blogger for $47,000 for using one unlicensed image.

How to Check If a Domain Name Is Trademarked (6 Methods)

Domain disputes are common. Registering a domain that includes a trademarked name can lead to losing the domain (and money). The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) handles over 3,000 domain disputes annually.

1. USPTO Trademark Database (US)

• Search USPTO TESS system
• Check both live and dead trademarks
• Dead trademarks may still have common law rights

2. WIPO Global Brand Database

• WIPO Database covers international trademarks
• Includes logos and names from 80+ countries

3. EUIPO (European Union)

• EUIPO eSearch for EU trademarks
• Covers all 27 EU member states

4. Check Common Law Trademarks

• Google search for the business name
• Check social media handles
• Better Business Bureau
• Even unregistered, common law rights exist if used in commerce

5. Check Domain History

• Wayback Machine — see past content
• Whois.com — see ownership history
• If previously used for a business, name may be trademarked

6. Trademark Watch Services

• Corsearch — professional trademark screening
• TrademarkNow — AI-powered search

Pro Tip: Even if a trademark isn't registered, common law trademark rights exist if a business has used the name in commerce. If in doubt, consult an attorney. The average cost of a UDRP dispute is $2,000-$5,000, plus potential loss of domain.

How to Check If Audio Is Copyrighted (7 Methods)

Music copyright is complex. There are two parts: composition (song) and recording (performance). You may need permission for both. Music lawsuits increased 40% from 2020-2024.

1. Check YouTube's Audio Library

• YouTube Audio Library has free music and sound effects
• Filter by license type (attribution required or not)

2. Use Content ID Systems

• Upload a private video with the audio to YouTube — it will flag if copyrighted
• SoundCloud also has copyright detection
• Facebook's Rights Manager

3. Check with Performing Rights Organizations

• ASCAP (US) — 900,000+ members
• BMI (US) — 1.4 million creators
• PRS (UK)
• SESAC (US)
• GEMA (Germany)

4. Check Music Recognition Apps

• Shazam — identifies songs
• SoundHound
• If recognized, it's likely copyrighted

5. Check License Type on Source

• Look for Creative Commons licenses on Free Music Archive
• Royalty-free sites like Epidemic Sound require subscription

6. Search Sound Recording Database

• US Copyright Office Sound Recordings
• Discogs — user-contributed copyright info

7. Contact the Artist/Label

• Many independent artists grant permission for free
• Get written permission

Free/Licensed Audio Sources

• Free Music Archive — curated, license-filtered
• Incompetech — Kevin MacLeod's royalty-free music
• Freesound.org — sound effects, check licenses
• ccMixter — CC-licensed remixes
• Musopen — public domain classical music

Important: "Royalty-free" does not mean free. It means you pay once and use, but terms vary. Always read the license. In 2022, a YouTuber was sued for $500,000 for using 11 seconds of copyrighted music.

How to Check If Video Is Copyrighted (5 Methods)

Video copyright combines image, audio, and sometimes script/story. Same principles apply with additional checks.

• Check the source: YouTube videos are copyrighted by uploader unless marked Creative Commons.
• Look for license: Vimeo, YouTube allow filtering by Creative Commons.
• Reverse search keyframes: Use tools like Berify or TinEye Video (beta).
• Check audio separately: Even if you have video rights, audio may be copyrighted.
• Use YouTube's Copyright Checker: Upload unlisted and check for Content ID matches.

Free Stock Video Sources

• Pexels Videos
• Videvo (free and premium)
• Mixkit
• Coverr
• Vidsplay

Fonts & Graphics: The Overlooked Danger

Fonts are software and can be copyrighted. Using unlicensed fonts in logos or products is infringement.

• Check font license: Free fonts often have restrictions (personal use only, no embedding).
• Use reputable sources: Google Fonts (open source), Font Squirrel (commercial licenses), Adobe Fonts (with subscription).
• Check EULA: End User License Agreement specifies allowed uses.
• Convert to outlines: In design software, convert text to paths before sending to printers.

Special Section: For Clients (Buying Creative Work)

If you're hiring a freelancer or agency, you need to ensure the work you're paying for is legally clean. You can be sued even if you paid someone else.

Client Legal Protection Checklist:

• Get warranties in contract: Freelancer should warrant that all elements are original or properly licensed.
• Request source files: PSD, AI files with layers to verify elements.
• Ask for license receipts: If they bought a font or image, get the receipt.
• Do your own reverse image search: On final designs to ensure they're original.
• Trademark search: Before branding, search USPTO/WIPO.
• Indemnification clause: Freelancer agrees to defend you if sued.
• Register your own trademarks: Protect your brand identity.

Real example: In 2023, a startup paid $5,000 for a logo that used an unlicensed font. The font foundry sued for $50,000. The startup had to pay because they didn't verify the license.

Special Section: For Freelancers (Protecting Yourself)

As a freelancer, you can be held liable if you use unlicensed material in client work. Here's how to stay safe:

• Keep records: Save licenses for every font, image, template you use.
• Use only trusted sources: Stick to reputable stock sites.
• Create your own assets: Use Leonardo.ai or Canva to generate unique images.
• Indemnification clauses: Some clients ask you to indemnify them. Get insurance if possible.
• Educate clients: Explain why using free fonts from random sites is risky.
• Never use "found on Google" images: Always verify source.
• Get everything in writing: Client approvals, permissions from rights holders.

Special Section: For Print on Demand (POD) Designers

POD platforms (Redbubble, Teespring, Amazon Merch) are strict about copyright. One strike and you're banned forever. Amazon Merch permanently bans accounts for any infringement.

High Risk Items (Avoid Completely): Character art, quotes, logos, band names, sports teams, holidays (Mickey Mouse is trademarked), movie references, video game characters.

POD Safety Rules:

• Never use trademarked characters (Disney, Marvel, etc.) even if you redraw them.
• Avoid famous quotes that are trademarked ("Just Do It" is Nike's, "Let's Get Ready to Rumble" is trademarked).
• No sports team names or logos (NFL, NBA, MLB are strictly protected).
• Use only public domain images (pre-1928 generally safe in US).
• Create original typography, not commercial fonts without license.
• Search USPTO for words/phrases before designing.
• Use TESS for wordmark searches.
• Check Copyright.gov for registered designs.

Safe Niches for POD:

• Abstract geometric designs
• Original illustrations (your own hand-drawn work)
• Public domain art (Van Gogh, da Vinci, ancient patterns)
• Your own photography
• Text-only designs with common phrases (check trademark first)
• AI-generated art (ensure terms allow commercial use)

Case Study: In 2024, a Redbubble seller made $10,000 from Stranger Things designs. Netflix sued, and the seller lost everything plus $25,000 in damages.

Real Copyright/Trademark Case Studies

Case 1: The $200,000 Instagram Photo

A small business used a photo from Google Images on their Instagram. The photographer sued and won $200,000 in statutory damages. The image was from Getty Images and cost $15 to license.

Case 2: The Domain Name Disaster

A freelancer registered "nike-fitness.blog" for a client. Nike filed a UDRP complaint and won the domain. The client lost $5,000 in branding costs.

Case 3: The 10-Second Song Sample

A podcaster used 10 seconds of a popular song as intro music. The record label demanded $50,000 settlement. The podcaster had to pay or face trial.

Case 4: The Etsy Trademark Nightmare

An Etsy seller created shirts with "Keep Calm and Carry On" variations. The UK government trademarked the phrase, and the seller received a cease & desist after selling 500 shirts.

20-Step Copyright Safety Checklist

1. Assume everything is protected until proven otherwise.
2. For images: Reverse search (Google, TinEye, Yandex) + check metadata + look for watermarks.
3. For domain: Search trademark databases (USPTO, WIPO, EUIPO) + check history (Wayback Machine).
4. For audio: Use Content ID checks + PRO databases (ASCAP, BMI) + recognition apps.
5. For video: Check source license + reverse keyframes + separate audio check.
6. Read licenses carefully — "free" often has conditions (attribution, non-commercial).
7. Keep records of all licenses and sources (screenshots, PDFs).
8. When in doubt, contact the creator or rights holder.
9. Consider "fair use" but consult a lawyer — it's a defense, not permission.
10. If you can't verify, don't use it.
11. For fonts: Check EULA, use reputable sources like Google Fonts.
12. For client work: Get warranties in writing.
13. For POD: Avoid all trademarked characters and phrases.
14. Use public domain sources (pre-1928 works).
15. Create original content with AI tools (verify commercial rights).
16. Register your own copyrights and trademarks to protect your work.
17. Monitor your work with reverse image search to detect theft.
18. Get errors & omissions insurance (E&O) for freelancers.
19. Consult an IP attorney for high-value projects.
20. Stay updated — copyright laws change (e.g., CASE Act in US allows small claims).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use images from Google if I give credit?

No. Giving credit does not replace permission. Unless the license explicitly allows use with attribution (like some Creative Commons), you need permission.

What if I only use 5 seconds of a song?

Still infringement. There's no "safe" duration. Sampling without permission is illegal. In 2021, a creator was sued for using a 2-second sample.

I redrew a Disney character in my style — is that ok?

No. Characters are trademarked and copyrighted. Derivative works are infringement even if you redraw. Disney actively enforces this.

Can I register a domain that includes a trademark if I'm not selling competing products?

You might still face a UDRP dispute. Trademark owners can claim bad faith if you try to profit or cause confusion. Safer to avoid.

What's the penalty for copyright infringement?

Statutory damages up to $150,000 per work, plus legal fees. Criminal charges possible for willful infringement. Actual damages can be higher if profits are involved.

Is it safe to use images from Pinterest?

No. Pinterest images are pinned from various sources, most copyrighted. Assume all are protected unless you verify the source license.

Can I use any font I download for free?

No. "Free" often means for personal use only. Check the license (EULA) for commercial use, embedding, and redistribution rights.

Can I use movie screenshots in my blog?

Generally no. Movie studios own copyright. Fair use may apply for criticism/review, but it's risky. Better to use promotional images released by studio.

How long does copyright last?

In most countries, author's life + 70 years. For corporate works, 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation (US).

Are AI-generated images copyright-free?

Depends. US Copyright Office says AI-generated works without human authorship aren't copyrightable. But terms of service vary — some AI tools grant you commercial rights. Check each platform's terms.

Can I sell products with famous quotes?

Many famous quotes are trademarked or copyrighted. "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" is trademarked by Muhammad Ali's estate. Check before using.

Are maps and satellite images copyrighted?

Yes. Google Maps, Apple Maps are copyrighted. Government maps (USGS) are public domain. Always check terms.

Can I use news photos in my blog?

No. News photos are copyrighted by wire services (AP, Reuters). Using them without license is infringement.

What happens if I get a cease & desist from a POD platform?

Remove the design immediately. Contact the claimant. If it's a mistake, provide proof of license. POD platforms usually ban after 3 strikes (or 1 for serious infringement).

Do I need a lawyer for copyright issues?

For serious disputes, yes. For preventive education, this guide helps. The Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts offers free help for artists.

Complete Resource Reference (40+ Tools)

Tool/Resource	Use For	Link (Click to Open)
Google Reverse Image	Image search	images.google.com
TinEye	Image search	tineye.com
Yandex Images	Image search (Russia/EU)	yandex.com/images
Baidu Images	Image search (China)	image.baidu.com
USPTO TESS	US trademarks	uspto.gov/trademarks
WIPO Global Brand	International trademarks	www3.wipo.int/branddb
EUIPO	EU trademarks	euipo.europa.eu
UK IPO	UK trademarks	gov.uk/search-for-trademark
ASCAP	Music rights (US)	ascap.com
BMI	Music rights (US)	bmi.com
PRS	Music rights (UK)	prsformusic.com
GEMA	Music rights (Germany)	gema.de
YouTube Audio Library	Free music	youtube.com/audiolibrary
Free Music Archive	Free music	freemusicarchive.org
Unsplash	Free images	unsplash.com
Pixabay	Free images	pixabay.com
Pexels	Free images/videos	pexels.com
Creative Commons Search	CC-licensed content	search.creativecommons.org
Wikimedia Commons	Public domain/CC	commons.wikimedia.org
The Met Open Access	Public domain art	metmuseum.org/art/collection
NASA Images	Government work	images.nasa.gov
US Copyright Office	Copyright registration	copyright.gov
Wayback Machine	Domain history	archive.org/web
Whois	Domain ownership	whois.com
Corsearch	Professional trademark search	corsearch.com
TrademarkNow	AI trademark search	trademarknow.com
Berify	Video/image search	berify.com
TinEye Video	Video search (beta)	tineye.com/video
Pixsy	Image monitoring	pixsy.com
Google Fonts	Open source fonts	fonts.google.com
Font Squirrel	Commercial-use fonts	fontsquirrel.com
Adobe Fonts	Subscription fonts	fonts.adobe.com
VLA (Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts)	Free legal help	vlany.org

DISCLAIMER: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Copyright and trademark laws vary by jurisdiction. For specific legal matters, consult a qualified intellectual property attorney.

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