Methodology to Check Image Rights Copyright Online Using Google Images (1 by 1), upload image from your computer or put the image link url.
With this FREE PLUGIN you can do this same process automatically and get the image qualification in second using google API and can store relevant image copyright information in your image gallery.
In today’s digital world, using images without verifying their copyright status can expose you to legal risks and financial penalties. Fortunately, there’s a free and simple method to analyze whether an image might have copyright restrictions — using Google Images Reverse Search!
Here’s a step-by-step guide to manually check if an image is safe to use online.
🔎 Step-by-Step: How to Check an Image for Copyright Risk
When you upload an image or give the url to Google Images and search, the results can reveal:
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Exact matches (same image in different places)
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Similar images (edited, recolored, resized versions)
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Directories or platforms (collections containing the image)
You’ll need to carefully interpret these results to assess the risk level.
🟡 YELLOW: Low Risk, Source Needs Confirmation
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If no identical or similar results appear, it’s likely that the image is original content or not widely published online.
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📸 Scenario: It could be a photo you took yourself or custom content not yet distributed.
Risk:
➡️ Low — you can use it fairly safely.
Caution:
➡️ If it’s not your own creation, try to find the source, designer, or photographer to confirm the rights.
🟢 GREEN: No Risk, Free Image or Public Domain
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If the image appears on multiple free image platforms or public domain repositories, it’s typically safe to use.
Examples of safe platforms:
Risk:
➡️ Very low — you can use it without major concerns.
🔴 RED: High Risk, Paid Image or Copyrighted Content
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If you find the image on paid stock photo sites or directories requiring licensing (especially with watermarks or logos like Shutterstock, Getty Images, Adobe Stock), the image is protected.
Indicators of copyright:
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Watermarks (e.g., “Shutterstock”, “Adobe Stock”)
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Price tags or licensing terms in the search results
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Appearances only on commercial stock sites
Risk:
➡️ High — you must buy the license, subscribe to the platform, or replace the image immediately.
🧩 Special Case: Image Not Found
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Sometimes, no matches appear — similar to the Yellow category.
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However, be cautious:
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Some users illegally remove watermarks.
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Some images are freshly uploaded and not yet indexed by Google.
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Tip:
➡️ Test by searching slightly modified versions (cropped, resized, recolored) to see if a hidden match shows up.
⚡ Important Notes About This Method
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🕒 Manual Process to Analyze Image Copyright:
This methodology is labor-intensive. Checking images one by one takes time and attention. -
🏗️ Better Alternative to Analyze Image Copyright:
If you’re starting from scratch, it’s more efficient to download images directly from trusted free platforms, ensuring peace of mind right from the start.
🚀 Final Tips to Stay Safe with Online Images
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Use images from well-known free or public domain sites.
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Always save the download proof (screenshot, receipt, license text).
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Regularly audit your website to replace questionable images.
