Policy Re: Stock Images

[Geobop]

Some commercial image vendors (e.g. Adobe, Shutterstock) offer special licenses that allow you to incorporate their images into items that are marketed commercially. Do those licenses generally include selling things on Zazzle?

In other words, if I select a picture of a Chinese dragon from a commercial vendor, then purchase an enhanced license, will I think be able to legally sell artwork on Zazzle that includes the dragon?

Do such licenses generally allow users to modify the images they licensed as well?

Thank you.

[PenguinPower · Accepted solution]

You will need to check each stock agency. The terms of licenses widely vary and there may even be varying levels of licensure available. Some have specific POD (print on demand) licensing. The same goes for modifying images etc. There is no hard fast rule. Check every source. 

Just an FYI - Adobe? Their "standard" license, does not allow for resale. You may use the images for marketing, you may alter them, but you cannot resell them unless you buy an "extended" license. 

[Geobop]

Thank you.

[Geobop]

For anyone following this thread, I just checked with Shutterstock, and they allow their images to be used on sites like Zazzle. You are also allowed to modify the images.

[Marcia]

Yes, you are, but you need to purchase the extended license, not the standard (much more affordable) one. You can purchase an extended license 2 pack at $199, per their website

[KeegansCreation]

Yes the extended licenses for the big players are extremely expensive. I took one look at one time and scampered back to DesignBundles and CreativeFabrica where the upcharge for POD license is more likely to be 10$ than 100$.

[Geobop]

LOL - I wouldn't even be doing this if I wasn't collecting both social security and my pension - while still working. I have no illusion of ever selling enough products to recoup my $100, but my goal is partly to publicize my books.