Can I use images, music, or content I find online for my business?

When can you legally use online content?

The safest options are:

• License the content from the owner. This gives you permission under specific terms, such as where and how long you can use it, and whether you can modify it.
• Use stock content sites. These platforms sell licenses for business use. You are buying the right to use the content, not the content itself.
• Use public domain content. Some older works or U.S. government content are free to use. Attribution is often a good practice.

Fair use allows limited use for commentary, education, or news reporting. But it is fact-specific and usually not a safe choice for marketing or commercial use.

What are the risks of using content without permission?

If you use copyrighted content without permission, you could face:

• Demands to remove the content.
• Legal claims or lawsuits.
• Financial damages and legal fees.
• Forced takedowns of ads or websites.

The safest rule is simple: if you did not create it and do not have clear permission, do not assume you can use it.

What to do next

• Check whether the content is copyrighted.
• Get a proper license before using third-party content.
• Use reputable stock libraries when possible.
• Avoid relying on fair use for business marketing.

What to consider in your specific situation

Whether content use is safe may depend on:

• How the content will be used (ads, website, social media, internal use).
• Whether your use is commercial or promotional.
• The license terms of any stock or third-party content.
• Whether the content is truly public domain.
• How visible or valuable the content is to your business.
• Your tolerance for legal and financial risk.

Thinking through these points can help you avoid costly mistakes.

Since every situation is different, consider getting tailored information through Rocket Copilot, a Legal Pro, or a copyright review so you can use content confidently and protect your business.