In a world where grabbing an image from Google feels faster than finding a stock photo, it’s easy to forget that every image online is someone’s intellectual property. And in Canada, using an image without the proper license could land you in hot water—legally and financially.
Here’s why fully licensed images aren’t just a nice-to-have but a must.
1. Copyright Laws in Canada Are No Joke
Under the Canadian Copyright Act, creators automatically own the rights to their work the moment it’s created. That includes photos, illustrations, graphics—anything visual. You’re violating those rights if you use an image without a proper license or written permission. And yes, even if you’re a small business, freelancer, or non-profit, you’re still liable.
2. “Found It Online” Isn’t a Legal Defense
Google is not a stock photo site. And just because an image is easy to download doesn’t mean it’s free to use—especially for business purposes. Even some “free” image websites come with fine print that restricts commercial use, modifications, or redistribution. If you violate those terms, it still counts as copyright infringement.
3. You Can Be Tracked (and Fined)
Many image owners, photographers, and agencies use reverse image search tools to monitor where and how their work is being used. If you’ve uploaded an image to your website, social media, or marketing materials without permission, it can—and often does—get noticed. You could receive a legal notice, a demand for payment, or a lawsuit.
4. It Can Get Expensive—Fast
In Canada, statutory damages for copyright infringement can range from:
- Up to $5,000 per work used without permission (for non-commercial use)
- Up to $20,000 per work (for commercial use)
That’s per image. Add legal fees, potential settlement costs, and the price of redoing your marketing, and the total can skyrocket quickly.
5. Licensing Is Simple—and Worth It
The good news? You don’t have to live in fear of using the wrong image. Purchasing licensed images from reputable stock libraries (like Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, or iStock) ensures you have the legal right to use them how you need them—whether online, in print, or advertising. Even better? Hire a designer or photographer who handles the licensing for you.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to images, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Just one improperly used photo can cost your business thousands, not to mention damage to your reputation. Protect yourself and your brand by using fully licensed images every time.
