Your home care agency’s website is one of your most valuable marketing tools. Professionally written content, easy navigation, and appealing imagery all come together to attract and engage your audience. But have you stopped to consider whether you truly have the right to use the images on your site?
Many home care agencies unknowingly put themselves at risk of copyright infringement by using images that aren’t properly licensed or purchased. Copyright laws can be complex and intimidating, but protecting your agency is easier than you might think.
At corecubed, we’ve helped many home care agency owners navigate these issues safely and simply. Here’s what you need to know to avoid costly legal headaches.
Understand Image Licensing and Ownership
When it comes to images, the rules can seem complicated. To simplify, remember these key points:
- If your agency’s website was built by a marketing agency or web developer, ensure they purchased proper licensing for any images they used.
- Images purchased by your marketing agency typically belong to them—not your home care agency. You generally have permission to use those images solely on the website the agency created for you. If you reuse images for brochures, print ads, or elsewhere without additional permission, you risk copyright violations.
- According to U.S. copyright law, ownership of an image belongs exclusively to the person who physically took the photo—not the person who owns the camera or even the subjects in the image—unless there’s a written agreement stating otherwise.
Watch Out for Fake Copyright Infringement Notices
Recently, home care agencies have reported receiving suspicious emails from individuals claiming to be photographers alleging copyright infringement. These fraudulent messages can feel alarming, but there are clear ways to spot fake notices:
- Genuine copyright infringement notifications will clearly identify the specific image in question and provide concrete evidence that the sender owns the copyright.
- Fake notifications often contain alarming language and encourage recipients to click suspicious links, such as a Google Drive document or external download. Never click these links, as they can lead to malware or scams.
What to Do if You Receive a Copyright Infringement Notice
Receiving a legitimate copyright infringement notice requires immediate, calm action:
- Contact the original agency or individual who provided your images to confirm licensing and request proof of purchase.
- Respond promptly to the infringement claim by either providing documentation of your licensed rights or by removing the image from your website immediately.
- Consider working with a professional home care marketing specialist to audit your website content and ensure your images and other content are safely licensed.
We’ve seen how quickly copyright issues can escalate. Taking proactive steps to ensure your agency’s website is compliant saves time, stress, and potentially significant legal expenses.
Protect Your Home Care Agency with Professional Support
At corecubed, our home care marketing specialists make sure your agency stays safe by ensuring all images we use are legally sourced and properly licensed. Our goal is not only to help you avoid legal pitfalls, but also to build a powerful, engaging online presence that supports your agency’s growth.
Need help ensuring your agency’s website images—and all your content—are legally compliant and professionally compelling? Contact corecubed at 800.370.6580.