Known Image Restrictions
Please consult the listing below for currently known intellectual property infringement issues. If you have any questions concerning these issues, please email submit@shutterstock.com. Thank you!
* Please note that this list is not all-inclusive. New entries will be added as they are brought to our attention.
Places & Landmarks:
30 St. Mary Axe (aka “The Gherkin” and the “Swiss Re Building”)
- Located in London, UK
- Designed by Lord Foster, Ken Shuttleworth, and Arup enqineers.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Cityscapes will be considered, as long as it is not the primary subject of the image. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)
- Located in New York City.
- Photography for personal use is allowed.
- Tripods and lights may not be used.
- Sale of photographs or reproductions are not allowed without Museum permission.
Anton Gaudi Architecture (in Barcelona, Spain)
- Casa Batlló
- Unacceptable for commercial/editorial use.
- Sagrada Família
- Interior images/footage are unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- Exterior images/footage are acceptable for editorial use only.
- Casa Milà / La Pedrera
- Interior images/footage are unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- Exterior images/footage are acceptable for editorial use only.
- Park Güell
- Images/footage are acceptable for commercial/editorial use.
- Located in Brussels, Belgium.
- The building is a large model structure of an iron molecule.
- Unacceptable for editorial or commercial use.
- Located in Manama, Bahrain.
- Unacceptable for commercial use. Acceptable as editorial with a newsworthy caption.
- Cityscapes will be considered, as long as the building is not the primary subject of the image. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum
- Professional photography is strictly prohibited without the written permission of the Chief or Senior Curators.
- Photographs are permitted for personal use only and are not to be published anywhere (including personal web sites) without the expressed written consent of the Museum.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
- Located in Washington, D.C.
- Interior images of The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception cannot be accepted without a property release.
- Exterior images of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception can be accepted.
Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest Stadium)
- Located in China.
- The stadium is a large steel structure used throughout the 2008 Summer Olympics.
- Isolated images of the stadium are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images are acceptable as editorial with a newsworthy caption.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Acceptable as editorial with a newsworthy caption.
- The logo, name, and image of Biltmore Estate are registered trademarks.
- They may not be used without permission from The Biltmore Company.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Unacceptable for commercial & editorial use.
- Library buildings may not be used as setting for photographs or as a background for fashion models or advertisements which will be used for commercial purposes.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Content which has been shot in Brazil National Parks are unacceptable for editorial or commercial use without permission from IBAMA. Some of these parks include:
- Brasilia National Park
- Iguacu National Park
- Tijuca National Park (including Pedra da Gávea)
- Serra dos Orgaos
- Aparados da Serra
- Jardim Botanico
- Chapada Diamantina National Park
- The royal residences include: Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, the Palace of Holyrood, Kensington Palace and Clarence House.
- Commercial photography is not allowed within the houses and grounds of any of the royal residences without prior permission.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Located in Hong Kong.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption.
- Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Cityscapes will be considered, as long as it is not the primary subject of the image. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- Isolated images of the Burj Khalifa are unacceptable for commercial and editorial use.
- Cityscapes will be considered, as long as the building is not the primary subject of the image. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- Images taken on the “At the Top” observatory may only be accepted for editorial use.
- The name of two amusement parks located in Virginia and Florida.
- Everything within the parks is protected and cannot be photographed for commercial use.
Cadillac Ranch (art installation)
- Located in Amarillo, Texas
- Created in 1974 by Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez and Doug Michels.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Castel Meur
- Located in North-Western France (Pointe du Château, Plourgrescant, Bretagne, France).
- Unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- Located in Silesia, Poland.
- A property release is required for commercial use.
- Editorial submissions will be considered with a proper caption.
Castle of Chillon (Château de Chillon)
- Located in Veytaux, Switzerland.
- Unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
Charging Bull (art installation near Wall Street, NYC)
- Located in Bowling Green Park near Wall Street in New York City.
- Sculpture designed and owned by Arturo Di Modica.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Christ the Redeemer (“Cristo Redentor”)
- Located in Rio, Brazil
- Designed by French sculptor Paul Landowski
- Unacceptable for commercial use where the sculpture is isolated. Cityscapes will be considered on a case by case basis.
- Accepted for editorial use where accompanied by a proper caption.
- Located on the east side of Manhattan in New York City.
- Designed by architect William Van Alen for Walter P. Chrysler in 1928.
- Unacceptable as an isolated standalone commercial use image.
- Cityscapes will be considered, as long as the Chrysler Building is not the primary subject of the image. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad De Las Artes Y Las Ciencias)
- An entertainment based cultural and architectural complex located in Valencia, Spain.
- Designed by Santiago Calatrava & Felix Candela and inaugurated in 1998.
- Unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- A fortified manor located in Vauvenargues, France.
- A property release is required for commercial use.
- A large country house located in Derbyshire, England.
- A property release is required for the shooting of the interior of Chatsworth House.
- Unacceptable for commercial use without a property release.
- Established in 1848 and located in Chicago, Illinois.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- A long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan with numerous entertainment attractions.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Columbus Circle Globe
- Located in front of the Trump International Hotel in Columbus Circle, New York, NY.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption.
- Located in Toronto, Canada.
- Owned by the Canada Lands Company.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Cityscapes will be considered, as long as the Tower is not the primary subject of the image. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- Located in Rome, Italy.
- Exterior Images of the Colosseum are acceptable for commercial use.
- Interior Images of the Colosseum are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Exterior and Interior images of the Colosseum are acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption.
- Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
- The memorial is a monument in the form of a warrior, riding a horse and pointing into the distance.
- Unacceptable for commercial/editorial use.
“Cupid’s Span” (art installation)
- Located in Rincon Park (The Embarcadero) in San Francisco, California.
- Designed by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen in 2003.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Located in Hanover, New Hampshire.
- The campus (including tower) are unacceptable for commercial use.
Dinosaur Museums
- The term “dinosaur museums” pertains to types of museums that have exhibits related to dinosaur fossils and models.
- Photos for personal use are allowed.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- All Disneyland Theme Parks are unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- Located in Paris, France
- Daytime shots are acceptable for commercial use.
- Images depicting the Tower’s lighting design are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Located in New York City.
- Isolated images are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Cityscapes will be considered, as long as the building is not the primary subject of the image. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- Located in New York City.
- Isolated Images are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Cityscape images will be considered, as long as the building is not the primary subject of the image. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
The Fremont Troll (aka ‘The Troll’ or the ‘Troll Under the Bridge’)
- Public art located in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, Washington in the United States.
- The artists (Steve Badanes, Will Martin, Donna Walter, and Ross Whitehead) own the copyright and control commercial use of the Troll images.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- The architect Frank Lloyd Wright has designed numerous buildings in the United States as well as a few in Japan. Some of his most famous buildings are:
- Robbie House – located in Chicago, IL.
- Fallingwater – located in Mill Run, PA.
- Johnson Wax Headquarters – located in Racine, WI.
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum – located in New York City.
- Taliesin – located in Iowa County, WI.
- Photography is only allowed for personal use.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
The Getty, The Getty Center, & The J. Paul Getty Museum.
- Getty prohibits commercial use of the Getty name and images of the buildings and gardens.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Goldwell Museum – The Last Supper
- This depiction of The Last Supper is copyrighted by the Belgian artist Albert Szukalski.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Home of Elvis Presley located in Memphis, Tennessee.
- Any commercial use must be cleared with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. in writing in advance.
- Unacceptable for commercial use without written clearance.
- Located in Nashville, Tennessee.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Located in Puteauz, France.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Editorial submissions will be considered with a proper caption.
- Located in Los Angeles, California.
- The theater is property of Weststar Real Estate.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Guangzhou Tower (Canton Tower)
- Located in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Editorial submissions will be considered with a proper caption.
- Locations in New York City, Bilbao, Venice, Berlin, and Las Vegas.
- Property of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation
- Unacceptable for editorial or commercial use.
- Located in Istanbul, Turkey.
- Images containing the interior or exterior of the Hagia Sophia that are taken on the property are unacceptable for commercial use if they are not accompanied with a property release from an authorized representative of the Hagia Sophia.
- Images of the Hagia Sophia that are taken off of the property are acceptable for commercial use.
- Images containing the interior or exterior of the Hagia Sophia are acceptable for editorial use.
- Located in San Simeon, California
- The Hearst Castle is property of the State of California.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Located in Los Angeles, California.
- The sign itself is trademarked.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Located in Los Angeles, California.
- The Walk of Fame is a Hollywood landmark protected by trademark.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- The world’s largest hotel of ice & snow.
- Located in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden.
- Images are unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- Located in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. It is currently a private museum managed by a non-profit, non-governmental organization.
- Images containing the interior and exterior of the Iolani Palace are unacceptable for commercial use due to Iolani Palace’s photography policy.
- Images containing the Iolani Palace are acceptable for editorial use if they were taken off of the Iolani Palace’s property.
Jardim Botanico (Rio botanical garden)
- Located in Rio, Brazil
- Images taken in the garden are unacceptable for editorial or commercial use without permission.
- Located in Boston, MA.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Cityscape images will be considered, as long as the building is not the primary subject of the image. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington DC
- Located in Washington DC.
- Copyright owned by Cooper Lecky Architects & Louis Nelson.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Acceptable for commercial use.
- Located in Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Acceptable for commercial use.
London Underground Symbols/Logo
- Located in London, UK
- The symbol & text are registered trademarks of Transport for London.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Located in Pebble Beach, CA.
- On property owned and managed by the Pebble Beach Company.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Longwood Gardens (DuPont Gardens)
- Longwood Gardens is located outside Philadelphia PA, and sometimes referred to as the DuPont Gardens.
- This garden offers 1,050 acres of gardens, meadows, and woodlands. Only personal photography and video is permitted at Longwood Gardens.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Louisiana Superdome (aka “Superdome”, “The Dome”, or the “New Orleans Superdome”)
- Located in New Orleans, Louisiana
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Located in Paris, France.
- The largest museum in France and one of the largest museums in the world.
- Both the Louvre & IM Pei’s Pyramid are trademarked designs.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
MAC – Museum of Contemporary Art
- Located in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- The MAC building is copyrighted.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Editorial submissions will be considered with a proper caption.
Manneken Pis
- Located in the city of Brussels, Belgium.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Editorial submissions that contain the statue can be accepted for editorial use with a proper caption.
Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial)
- Located in Arlington, VA.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Editorial submissions will be considered with a proper caption.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
- Located in Washington, D.C.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Editorial submissions will be considered with a proper caption.
Merlion of Singapore (Merlion Park)
- The Merlion of Singapore is protected by act of parliament and is a registered trademark of the Singapore Tourism Board .
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Located in Millau-Creissels, France.
- Unacceptable for commercial use
- Editorial submissions will be considered with a proper caption.
Millennium Park (art installations)
- Located in Chicago, IL
- The following art installations inside the park are trademarked designs.
- Cloud Gate aka “The Bean” (copyright owned by Amish Kapoor)
- The Crown Fountain (copyright owned by Jaume Plensa)
- Lurie Gardens (copyright owned by Gustafson & Associates)
- Jay Pritzker Pavilion (copyright owned by Frank Gehry)
- BP Pedestrian Bridge (copyright owned by Frank Gehry)
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Millennium Wheel aka “London Eye”
- Located in London, UK
- The London Eye was designed by British Airways engineers.
- Isolated images of the wheel are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Cityscapes will be considered, as long as the Wheel is not the primary subject of the image. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Images are only acceptable as editorial with appropriate editorial captions.
- Located in Minneapolis, MN
- Images taken in the sculpture garden are unacceptable for stock (including editorial) due to copyright issues.
Modern Buildings
- Images of isolated buildings with modern or recognizable architecture are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Acceptable if they are a part of a skyline.
- Monaco’s Coat of Arms is trademarked.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images are only acceptable as editorial with appropriate editorial captions.
- The Monticello Estate is located in Virginia.
- Exterior & Interior shots are unacceptable for commercial OR editorial use.
- Located in Monterey, CA
- Exterior & Interior shots (including animals in the exhibits) are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Located in the Netherlands.
- Images taken on the property are unacceptable for commercial/editorial use.
Museum Interiors
- Unacceptable for commercial use unless accompanied with a property release signed by an authorized representative of the establishment.
- Editorial submissions will be considered with a proper caption.
- Images of museum interiors that contain isolated artwork or artwork that is the main focus of the image are unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- Wide-shots of museum interiors where the artwork is not the main focus of the image, are acceptable for commercial use with a property release, or editorial use.
- We will evaluate these images on a case by case basis.
Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
- Located in Mystic, CT
- The facility is an aquarium and oceanography institute that opened in 1973.
- The aquarium is owned by the Sea Research Foundation.
- Exterior & Interior shots (including animals in the exhibits) are unacceptable for commercial use.
- The National Trust is an organization dedicated to the preservation of historic monuments, buildings and places of historical interest or natural beauty in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- The National Trust does not permit photography or filming at its properties for commercial use or for reproduction in any form without prior written permission.
- List of National Trust Properties in England.
- List of National Trust Properties in Wales.
- List of National Trust Properties in Northern Ireland.
New York Stock Exchange aka “NYSE” and American Stock Exchange
- Stock exchanges located in lower Manhattan, New York
- Exterior & Interior shots are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Cityscapes will be considered, as long as the Exchange is not the primary subject of the image. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- A series of historical mansions located in Newport, Rhode Island.
- Owned by The Preservation Society of Newport County.
- Accredited by the American Association of Museums.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- This is a historic plantation located on the Mississippi River in Louisiana.
- Photographs are not allowed to be taken inside the home.
- You are welcome to take any photography on the galleries or grounds for personal use only.
- Commercial use is permitted only with written permission from Oak Alley Plantation.
Oscar Niemeyer Buildings and Monuments
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Editorial submissions will be considered with a proper caption.
- Located in San Francisco, CA.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
The Painted Ladies
- Victorian row houses located in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood in San Francisco, California.
- Images containing The Painted Ladies are acceptable for commercial and editorial use only if the images were taken from public property.
- Submissions for editorial use must have a proper caption.
- Located in Moscow, Russia.
- Designed by Zurab Tsereteli & unveiled in 1997.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- The Penrhyn Castle is located in North Wales.
- Interior photos of the Penrhyn Castle are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Peterhof Palace is a series of palaces and gardens located in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
- Images containing the interior and exterior of the Peterhof Palace are unacceptable for commercial use due to the Palace’s photography policy.
- Images containing the exterior of the Peterhof Palace will be considered for editorial use if the images were taken clearly off of the Palace grounds.
- Located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Designed by Argentine architects César Pelli and Djay Carico.
- Isolated images (excluding skylines) are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Located in Seattle, WA
- “Public Market” & “Public Market Center” signage are trademarks of the Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Prior permission and arrangement is required for any Commercial photography inside the Princeton grounds.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Rosslyn Chapel near Edinburgh is famous for being mentioned in “The Da Vinci Code” book and film.
- Only personal photography on the premises is allowed.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
- Located in Cleveland, OH
- Exterior & Interior images (including exhibits) are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Located in New York City.
- All buildings, sculptures, and views (from “Top of the Rock”) are protected by license.
- Unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- The Royal Parks in Great Britain may not be commercially photographed without a specially obtained license.
- The includes the following parks:
- Hyde Park
- Kensington Gardens
- Brompton Cemetery
- Grosvenor Square
- St. James’s Park
- The Green Park
- The Regent’s Park
- Primrose Hill
- Greenwich Park
- Richmond Park
- Bushy Park
- Victoria Tower Gardens
- The Sam Houston Statue is a trademarked monument and requires a property release for commercial photography. It is located on I-45 just south of Huntsville, TX.
- The statue stands as the world’s tallest statue of an American hero at 67 feet tall.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Located in Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
- Images from the zoo (including animals, shows, and attractions) are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Abbey near Siena (Tuscany, Italy).
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Located in Santa Monica, California.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Science World at Telus World of Science
- Located in Vancouver, BC Canada
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Former imperial summer residence in Vienna, Austria.
- Unacceptable for commercial use without an official permit.
Seattle International Fountain
- The Seattle International Fountain is located in the middle of “Seattle Center” located in Seattle, Washington.
- Unacceptable for commercial use without property release.
- A chain of marine mammal parks with locations in Florida, California, and Texas.
- Owned by Busch Entertainment Corporation.
- Images from the parks (including animals, shows, and attractions) are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Located in Vatican City
- Images (both interior & exterior) are unacceptable for commercial and editorial use.
Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne
- Located in Melbourne, Australia.
- Unacceptable for commercial use without property release.
- Located in Washington DC.
- The world’s largest museum complex with most of its facilities in Washington, DC.
- Shots of the Smithsonian building are unacceptable for commercial use.
- An open-air museum located in Gold Point, Australia.
- Images that contain Sovereign Hill (including: Mines, Gold Museum, Sound and Light Show) are unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- Located in Seattle, WA.
- Isolated images are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Cityscapes will be considered, as long as it is not the primary subject of the image. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- Isolated images of the Spinnaker Tower are unacceptable for commercial use. Cityscapes can be considered for commercial use as long as the Spinnaker Tower is not the primary subject of the image. These images should be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- Editorial images featuring the Spinnaker Tower can be accepted as long as the image has a proper editorial caption.
- Located on Liberty Island in New York City. Acceptable for commercial use.
- Located in Stanford, California.
- Images taken on campus are unacceptable for editorial or commercial use.
- The swan boats are located on the lake of the Boston Public Garden in Boston, MA.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- A multi-venue performing arts center in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- Conceived and largely built by Danish architect Jørn Utzon.
- Isolated images are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Cityscapes will be considered, as long as the Opera House is not the primary subject of the image. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Taipei 101 (Taipei Financial Center)
- Located in Taiwan.
- Isolated images are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Cityscapes will be considered, as long as the building is not the primary subject of the image. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Terracotta Warriors
- The Terracotta Warriors is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of the first Emperor of China.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption.
- Located in Sumida, Tokyo, Japan.
- Isolated images of the Tokyo Skytree are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Isolated shots of the Tokyo Skytree can be accepted for editorial use with a proper caption.
- Cityscapes will be considered, as long as the building is not the primary subject of the image. These images will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- The Transamerica Pyramid is the tallest and most recognizable skyscraper in the San Francisco skyline.
- Isolated images are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Cityscapes will be considered, as long as the building is not the primary subject of the image. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Tupperware Tower
- The Tupperware Tower is a 100 foot tall tower made of plastic Tupperware bowls.
- It is located in Orlando, Florida at the corporate headquarters of the Tupperware Company.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Park
- The Unisphere is a globe sculpture located in Flushing Meadows Park, Queens, New York.
- Images that contain the Unisphere are unacceptable for commercial use unless accompanied by a property release.
- Images that contain the Unisphere are acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption.
Universal Studios & Theme Parks
- A group of theme parks located in California, Florida, and Japan.
- All logos, images, attractions, products, productions, movies, characters and worldmarks are protected.
- Images from the studios & theme parks are unacceptable for commercial use.
University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Located in Los Angeles, California.
- Images taken on the UCLA campus are unacceptable for creative commercial use without a property release.
- Editorial submissions will be considered with a proper caption.
- Photographing outside areas of the Campus does not require advance permission,but photographers are expected to inform the office of University Relations before taking photographs. Photographers are required to get permission when photographing for commercial purposes.
- Before photographing inside University Libraries buildings, photographers must request permission from the Associate Dean for Circulation and Information Services.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (including Ayer’s Rock)
- Located in the Northern Territory of Australia.
- Unacceptable for commercial/editorial use.
- Located in Richmond, VA.
- The Virginia House requires a special property release from the Virginia Historical Society.
- Unacceptable for commercial use without a property release.
- The largest and most visited recreational resort in the world, containing four theme parks, two water parks, 24 themed hotels, and numerous shopping, dining, entertainment and recreational venues.
- Located southwest of Orlando, FL.
- Images from the entire resort are protected and are unacceptable for commercial and editorial use.
- Westminster Street Signs are protected by copyright.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Williamsburg (Colonial Village)
- Colonial Williamsburg is the historic district of Williamsburg, VA.
- Images from the histroic district are protected (including reenactments) and are unacceptable for commercial use.
Worker and Kolkhoz Woman Statue
- Located in Moscow, Russia.
- Acceptable as editorial with an appropriate caption.
World Trade Center / 9/11 Memorial
- Images that are taken on the grounds of the World Trade Center Memorial in New York City cannot be accepted for commercial or editorial use.
- Images taken off the grounds of the World Trade Center Memorial can be accepted for editorial use with the proper caption.
- Located in Chicago, IL.
- Isolated images are not acceptable for commercial/editorial use.
- Cityscape images will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)
- Located in Chicago, IL.
- Isolated images are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Cityscapes will be considered, as long as the Tower is not the primary subject of the image. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Objects and Subjects:
3D Interior Renderings
- At this time, we are no longer accepting images of 3D interior renderings. We have noticed some of these designs contain elements based on wire-frame models from third-party sources. Artists who upload these images could be exposing themselves to legal issues. Our advice is to focus your attention on creating images and illustrations from scratch that do not rely on outside elements.
- Interior renderings and isolated 3D renderings of furniture contain trademarked furniture designs and proprietary architectural elements.
- Unacceptable for commercial use
Airshows
- Snowbirds (CAN), Blue Angels (US), Thunderbirds (US), The Red Arrows (UK)
- Images may be submitted as editorial.
- Additional property release or credentials may be required.
Artwork (isolated)
- Images taken in building interiors that contain isolated artwork or artwork that is the main focus of the image are unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- We will evaluate these images on a case by case basis.
Banknotes / Currency
- Flat scans, flat photographs, or head-on images of Banknotes (both U.S. & foreign) are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images containing banknotes are acceptable for commercial or editorial use (with a proper caption) as long as they are not direct shots of the entire banknote. These images will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Canadian banknotes and Canadian coins are unacceptable to reproduce in any form.
- British pound banknotes are unacceptable to reproduce in any form. British pound coins are acceptable for both commercial and editorial use.
- Manufactured by the BAC (British Aircraft Corporation)
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Burning Flags
- Due to political and cultural issues we cannot accept images of burning flags.
Cameras
- Isolated images of cameras or camera equipment (anything which could be seen as a “product shot”) are copyrighted.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- The term “Carnival Cruise Line” and Carnival Cruise Line’s unique branching funnel design are protected under trademark.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images that contain Carnival Cruise Line’s unique branching funnel design are acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption.
Cell Phones
- Isolated images of cell phones are unacceptable for our commercial/editorial collection.
- Images are acceptable when the cell phone is not the main focus of the image. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- Illustrations of cell phones must be submitted with a note explaining that they are original designs. These illustrations will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Caricatures (Celebrity / Political)
- We cannot accept cartoons featuring celebrities or politicians for commercial use.
- Editorial submissions will be considered if they meet our standards, here.
- Content featuring Chemex coffeemakers, where the coffeemaker is the focus of the content, cannot be accepted for commercial use.
- Acceptable for editorial use with proper editorial caption.
- Devil duckies are copyrighted by Accoutrements, Inc.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Dentastix
- Content featuring Dentastix products are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Editorial submissions will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Easter Eggs – Painted Designs
- Complex Easter Egg Designs are copyrighted artwork.
- Need a property release to be accepted.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Simple designs are accepted.
- Images using Elvis Presley’s name, image or likeness are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images using Elvis Presley’s name, image or likeness are acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption.
- Images of Elvis impersonators are acceptable for commercial use only if the title clearly states that it is an impersonator.
EuroCup
- “Eurocup” can be associated with Eurocup Basketball or Eurocup Formula Renault (car racing). The logo and term “EuroCup” are protected by trademark.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption.
European Central Bank- Euro Sculpture
- The Euro sculpture was created by Ottmar Hörl in 2001
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption.
Famous Trophies/Awards
- Oscar award statue, Grammys, AMAs, Emmy etc.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- The Fingerprint Tree concept is copyrighted.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Handprints are acceptable for commercial use.
Fonts
- Isolated letterforms from commercial typefaces are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images & vector designs incorporating fonts will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Frankenstein
- Images that portray Universal Pictures’ Frankenstein’s monster are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption.
- These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Frisbee
- “Frisbee” is a registered trademark of Wham-O, Inc.
- Use of “Frisbee” as a keyword or in the title/description is unacceptable for commercial use.
- Acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption.
- Rubber duckies and related products by the Game group have protected product designs and cannot be resold in royalty-free stock imagery.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
The Green Dot (German recycling symbol)
- This symbol is controlled and operated by Duales System Deutschland AG.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Globes and Maps
- Globes and Maps may be subject to copyright.
- Images of globes and maps for commercial use will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- General restrictions for Globes and Maps submitted for commercial use include: flat scans of maps, recognizable symbols or components which are particular to the cartographer, and a key or legend in focus.
Graffiti/Street Art
- Content featuring isolated graffiti/street art is unacceptable for commercial use unless accompanied by a valid property release from the artist. Content where graffiti/street art is in the background, and not the focus of the content, will be evaluated for commercial use on a case by case basis.
- Content featuring isolated graffiti/street art may be acceptable for editorial use where the image meets our editorial standards and is accompanied by a proper editorial caption (including the artist’s name). We will review editorial submissions on a case by case basis.
- We are no longer accepting submissions of isolated graffiti/street art which appear to have been taken in San Francisco, CA for either commercial or editorial use.
Guitars (Isolated)
- Isolated guitars are unacceptable for commercial use where the source of the guitar is discernible from its unique characteristics.
- Images of isolated Rickenbacker, Gibson, and Fender Guitars are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images of isolated guitars may be accepted for editorial use with a proper caption and, where applicable, credentials to shoot the event.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images of the Guy Fawkes Mask can only be accepted for editorial use with proper citation.
Handbags (Isolated)
- Images of isolated handbags will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and only generic handbags are acceptable for commercial use.
- Images of isolated handbags are acceptable for editorial use as long as the image is newsworthy and is accompanied with a proper editorial caption.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images of the Inductive Rotation Design can be accepted for editorial use with proper citation.
- The keyword “Inductive Rotation Design” can only be applied to editorial images that contain this design.
- Professional racing logos, locations and events are trademarked.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Isolated copyrighted characters
- Content featuring isolated copyrighted characters are unacceptable for either commercial or editorial use. Examples of such characters include but are not limited to: Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lego, DC Comics, and Muppets characters.
- We will evaluate editorial submissions containing copyrighted characters on a case by case basis, and may accept content where the characters are not isolated (e.g., an illustrative editorial image of a character next to product packaging or other contextual elements).
Jewelry (Isolated)
- Images of isolated jewelry will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and only generic jewelry can be accepted for commercial use.
- Images that feature jewelry taken at trade shows, conventions, demonstrations, etc. are acceptable as long as the image is newsworthy and is accompanied with a proper editorial caption and, where applicable, credentials to shoot the event.
- Commercial submissions where Kikkoman bottles are the focus or main subject of the image are not acceptable.
- Editorial submissions will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- Le Corbusier Furniture is a registered trademark of Cassina.
- Isolated objects, 3D renderings, and images where the furniture is used as a prop are all unacceptable for commercial use.
Marmalade Jar Shape (certain jar labels & shapes)
- Certain jar shapes & label designs are trademarked.
- These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- “London 2012” is a registered trademark.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Love Keys are protected under trademark and copyright.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- This restriction extends to images of keys that contain the word “love” attached to them.
Jar Shapes and Labels
- Certain jar shapes & label designs are trademarked.
- These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- The design of the McDonald’s French Fry Container is copyrighted.
- Applies even if the container is blank because the design is protected.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Mississippi Paddle Steamers, including Delta Queen, Natchez, Belle of Louisville, and Spirit of Peoria (Paddle Boats)
- Some paddle steamers still operate on the Mississippi River.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
“Me to You Bears” (aka “Tatty Teddy”)
- Bears are made by Carte Blanche Greetings Ltd.
- A number of products are available including teddies, figurines, cards, rugs, mugs and wedding accessories.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- The board game Monopoly is copyrighted.
- This includes the game pieces.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
NASA (including Visible Earth)
- An online catalog of NASA images and animations.
- Submitted content that incorporates NASA elements/imagery must contain the following text in the title: “Elements of this image furnished by NASA”
- The Nalgene logo, name, and design of the bottle are all protected under trademark.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Editorial submissions containing the Nalgene logo or bottles are acceptable with a proper caption.
- The Neocube magnetic toy is copyrighted.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- The NovoLog Insulin Pen is protected under trademark.
- Isolated images of the pen are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Editorial submissions containing the NovoLog Insulin Pen are acceptable with a proper caption as long as they are not isolated shots.
Ordnance Survey Maps (Landranger, Explorer)
- Ordnance Survey is Great Britain’s national mapping agency.
- Unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- All Olympic logos and torches are trademarked designs.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Panama Flags and Symbols
- The Panama flag and national symbols are protected.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Acceptable for editorial use only where the image is accompanied by a proper editorial caption.
- The Parental Advisory sticker seen on CDs etc. is copyrighted.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Passport Stamps
- Submissions will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- Unacceptable for commercial use where identifying elements are visible in the stamp(s).
Political Party Logos – Democratic Party and Republican Party Logos (United States)
- The Democratic Party and Republican Party Logos are trademarked.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Acceptable for editorial use if these logos are part of an editorial image.
Postcards
- Unacceptable for commercial or editorial use due to potential copyright issues.
Postal Stamps
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Acceptable for editorial use only where the postal stamp is a genuine postal stamp, there is a cancellation mark on the stamp, and your caption contains copyright attribution to the appropriate Postal Service and artist of the work contained in the stamp.
Please note the following restrictions:
- We cannot stamps featuring celebrities (non-deceased) or cartoon/animated characters (e.g., Disney and Pixar characters, the Muppets, cartoon characters).
- Singapore postage stamps are unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- Macao postage stamps are unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Editorial submissions will be considered with a proper caption.
Public Domain Content
- We do not accept public domain content, including but not limited to scans of or head-on photographs of public domain artwork. We also do not accept public domain footage.
QR Codes
- Images that feature QR Codes are acceptable, but the QR code cannot link to specific websites, offensive language, or any other restricted content.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
- The letters “RCMP” and images of the uniform of Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are protected and cannot be used for commercial purposes without the written authorization of the RCMP Intellectual Property Office.
- Unacceptable for commercial & editorial use.
- Protected by intellectual property laws throughout the world.
- Protection includes any configuration, color, or shape even without a logo.
- Images (including derivative works) are unacceptable for commercial use.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- Images of red-nosed reindeer are acceptable for commercial use as long as the word “Rudolph” is not a keyword or in the title/description.
- All Samsung cellular phones are protected by design patents.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Sheet Music
- Unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
Shinkansen (aka Japanese Bullet Train)
- A network of high-speed railway lines in Japan.
- Operated by four Japan Railway Group companies.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Shoes (Isolated)
- Images of isolated shoes are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images of isolated shoes are acceptable for editorial use as long as the image is newsworthy and accompanied with a proper editorial caption.
Signatures
- Images that contain signatures are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption.
- A metallic/plastic gravity toy.
- Manufactured by the Poof company.
- The Slinky design is protected.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Smiley has been a registered trademark in some countries since 1971.
- Smiley face submissions will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- The trade dress of Smirnoff vodka bottles is a registered trademark
- This rule applies even if the standard Smirnoff labels on the bottle are blank
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Soccer, Rugby, and Volley Balls
- Soccer, Rugby, and Volley Balls must be blank or feature the black & white generic pattern design.
- Any other unique designs will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Stuffed Animals & Toys
- Certain stuffed animals & toys may have copyright protection.
- These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Sunglasses
- Images of unique or recognizable sunglasses that are the main focus of an image or are isolated shots are unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- Sunglasses that are not the main focal point of the image are acceptable for commercial use.
- Sunglasses that are featured at trade shows, conventions, demonstrations, etc., are acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption and, where necessary, credentials to shoot the event.
Tattoos
- Images of tattoos, where the tattoo is prominently displayed, are unacceptable for commercial use unless accompanied by a property release.
- Images that contain tattoos, where the tattoo is secondary to the entire image as a whole and is not the main focus, are acceptable for commercial use without a property release. These images will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Acceptable for editorial use.
- France’s high-speed rail service.
- Currently owned and operated by VFE.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
United Nations Flag and Emblem
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Editorial submissions will be considered with a proper caption.
Vehicles (Automobiles)
- Images of isolated vehicles (automobiles) are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images are acceptable for commercial use when the automobile is not the main focus of the image. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- Images of isolated vehicles may be acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- Isolated images of Verifone Credit Card Readers (anything which could be seen as a “product shot”) are trademarked.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Viewmaster is trademark of Fisher-Price.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images featuring Volkswagen vehicles (Beetle, campervan, Eurovan, etc.) are unacceptable for commercial use. No Volkswagen trademarks may be submitted as metadata or in the captions for commercial use content.
- Illustrations or vectors featuring Volkswagen vehicles may not be accepted for commercial use.
- Images may be acceptable for editorial use only with a proper caption.
Wall of Screens
- The concept of Multiple Screens on a Black Background or Wall of Screens is copyrighted.
- If the image has any of the following it is unacceptable for commercial use:
- Reflection on floor; or
- Curve in monitor placement; or
- Man watching monitors
Wallpaper
- Wallpaper designs may be protected by copyright.
- Photographs or scans of wallpaper are unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- Vectors or illustrations labeled as wallpaper are acceptable for commercial use only if accompanied by a reference image (to which the contributor owns the copyright), showing the original creation.
X-Rays, MRI’s & CAT Scans
- Images of X-Rays, MRI’s and CAT Scans are unacceptable for commercial use if they contain patient information, doctor information, medical information, medical codes, or any other identifying information.
- Unaltered images of X-Rays, MRI’s and CAT Scans are acceptable for editorial use as long as the image is newsworthy and is accompanied by a proper editorial caption.
Brands/ Trademarks:
- The term “App Store” and Apple’s App Store logo are protected under trademark.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images that contain the term “App Store” or Apple’s App Store logo can be accepted for editorial use with a proper editorial caption and, where necessary, proper credentials to shoot the event.
Books
- Photographs that contain discernible text in, or on, any book are unacceptable for commercial use. This includes bibles and dictionaries
- Photographs that contain discernible text in, or on, any book are acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption.
- Logo, word, and 3-stripes design are all protected under trademark.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- The word “Airstream”, as well as the design are registered trademarks of Airstream, Inc.
- Images will be considered where the vehicle is not the main focus of the image. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- Isolated images are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Logo and robot design are registered trademarks of Android, Inc.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Vector designs & illustrations derivative of the robot design are also unacceptable.
- Apple designed products are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Vector designs & illustrations derivative of Apple products are also unacceptable.
Boot Stitching
- Certain manufacturers use elaborate and distinct stitching designs.
- Isolated images featuring stitching are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images in which the stitching is visible can only be accepted with a property release.
- The Bluetooth word, mark, and logo are registered trademarks.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- The Botox logo and the term “Botox” are protected under trademark.
- Images that contain the Botox logo or the term “Botox” as a Keyword or in the Title/Description are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images that contain the Botox logo or the term “Botox” are acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption.
- The black, tan, and red pattern know as “haymarket check” or the “Burberry classic check” is a registered trademark.
- Unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- Manufacturer of construction, mining equipment, diesel & natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Trademark & Patent belongs to The Coca-Cola Company.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Comics (DC and Marvel, etc.)
- All characters, character names, logos, slogans, books, titles, and related indicia are protected by trademark and copyright by DC Comics and/or WildStorm Productions.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Crayola art products and the swirl design are copyrighted and a registered trademark of Crayola Properties, Inc.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- The words “CrossFit” and “CrossFit for Hope” are registered trademarks of CrossFit, Inc.
- Images that contain the words “CrossFit,” “Cross-Fit,” “Cross Fit” or any variation thereof are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images that are submitted with “CrossFit,” “Cross-Fit,” or “Cross Fit” as a keyword or in the title/description are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images that contain the CrossFit logo or “CrossFit” as a keyword or as part of the description are acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption.
Czech Medical Cross
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption.
- Diamond Jubilee is a celebration in the United Kingdom.
- Unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
Disney (logos and products)
- Disney logos, products, characters, theme park costumed characters and word-marks are not acceptable for commercial use.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- The official seal, names and symbols of the US Department of Treasury cannot be used.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- The logo use is restricted to licensed manufacturers.
- Images featuring the logo are unacceptable for commercial use.
E-Book Readers (e.g., Amazon Kindle, Nook)
- E-Book Readers may be protected by design copyrights.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
FIFA World Cup Logo and Trophies
- The FIFA World Cup Trophy and logos are protected by copyright and trademark of FIFA.
- This includes the Official Emblem and the Official Mascots of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany.
- May be used as editorial with an acceptable caption.
- Additional property release or credentials may be required.
- Specific brand name of IEEE 1394 serial bus interface.
- Symbol & logo is managed by Apple Inc.
- Images featuring the logo are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Brand of international navigation and GPS equipment.
- Images featuring Garmin equipment are unacceptable for commercial use.
- The Green Dot consistes of two green arrows forming a circle, one lighter than the other.
- This symbol is a recycling standard controlled and operated by Duales System Deutschland AG (DSD).
- Unacceptable for commercial use without a license from DSD.
Harley Davidson Motorcycles, Logos and Products
- Harley Davidson products, logos, insignias, names and/or keywords cannot be used for Royalty-Free stock imagery.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Harvard Veritas Shield
- The Harvard Veritas shield is unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
Hershey Products (Hershey Kiss)
- Configuration of flag, shape, and foil wrap are registered trademarks.
- Shots featuring it are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Vector designs & illustrations derivative of the design are unacceptable.
- New International Version and NIV®, New International Reader’s Version and NIrV®, and Today’s New International Version and TNIV® are registered trademarks of IBS in the United States and other countries.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
I Love NY Logo (I ♥ NY)
- The I Love NY logo is a registered trademark belonging to the New York State Department of Economic Development.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Internet Icons
- Internet Explorer, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome are all registered trademarks.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
John Deere Machinery (farming equipment, unique green & yellow design)
- Symbol, green & yellow color scheme are trademarks of Deere & Company.
- Shots featuring the machinery are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Vector designs & illustrations derivative of the design are unacceptable.
- The KSB logo (pumps and valves manufacturer) is a registered trademark of KSB AG.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Las Vegas Skyline/Theme Hotels
- All Las Vegas theme hotels and their recognizable buildings and parts are strictly rights controlled and cannot be used in royalty-free stock imagery.
- Brand of construction toys.
- Images featuring lego products (including bricks) are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Levi’s stitching pattern, Red Tab device, and company name on Buttons are all trademark.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- The term “Little League,” “Little Leaguer,” and “Little League Baseball” are registered trademarks of Little League Baseball, Inc.
- Images containing those terms as a keyword or in the title/description are unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- Lindt Chocolate Bunnies are copyrighted.
- Unacceptable for commercial use if any of the following apply:
- Gold Foil Chocolate Bunny wearing Red/Brown Ribbon and/or Bell; or
- Red/Brown Ribbon around neck on Chocolate Bunny; or
- Chocolate Bunny wearing ribbon with bell
- These are disposable air fresheners in the shape on a stylized evergreen tree.
- The design is trademarked by the Car-Freshner Corporation.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Vector designs & illustrations derivative of the design are unacceptable.
- Louis Vuitton’s “LV” monogram and checkered pattern is a registered trademark.
- This rule also applies to Louis Vuitton inspired items.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- The LTI Black Taxi design is protected by trademark by LTI Vehicles in Coventry, England.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Made in Nature is a company that produces organic dried food.
- Images that contain the “Made in Nature” logo, packaging, as a keyword, or in the title/description cannot be accepted for commercial use.
- Mars, Inc. is a manufacturer of a wide range of chocolate products.
- Images containing Mars, Inc.’s “Bounty Bars” (whether wrapped in packaging or unwrapped) are protected by trademark and are unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- Images containing chocolate products with the following keywords are also unacceptable for commercial or editorial use: Mars, Mars, Inc., Bounty, Bounty Bar, Snickers, M&M’s, Twix, Milky Way, 3 Musketeers, etc.
- For a more comprehensive list of Mars, Inc.’s protected products and trademarks, please refer to: http://www.mars.com/global/brands/chocolate.aspx
- Includes Barbies, Bratz, Fisher Price, and Hot Wheels.
- Trademark & Patent belongs to the Mattel Corporation.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Major & Minor League Sports Logo and Merchandise
- No major or minor league logos, emblems, merchandise, colors, hats, jerseys or even socks can be used for royalty-free imagery.
- Major and minor league sport logos are protected by trademark.
- MLB, NBA, NFL, PGA, MLS etc.
- May be used as editorial with proper caption.
- Proof of credential and/or property releases may be required.
- Brand of tires.
- Images featuring Michelin tires are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images featuring the word “Movember” are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Mon Cheri box designs are copyrighted.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Brand of marshmallow candies produced by the Just Born company.
- Images featuring the Peeps brand of candies are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Vector designs & illustrations derivative of the design are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Carbonated soft drink produced and manufactured by PepsiCo.
- All brands, designs, logos are protected by PepsiCo.
- Images featuring the PepsiCo brand are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images of apples that include the Pink Lady Apple Sticker are unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- Images of apples that are tagged with “Pink Lady” or “Pink Lady Apples” as a keyword or in the title/description are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Brand of instant film cameras manufactured by the Polaroid Corporation.
- Images featuring: the Polaroid mark, camera, border and color spectrum are unacceptable for commercial or editorial submissions.
- “Polaroid” cannot be used as a keyword or description for commercial or editorial images.
Red Cross & Red Crescent Symbols
- These symbols can only be used by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
- They are internationally protected symbols.
- Shots featuring the symbols are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Vector designs & illustrations derivative of the symbols are unacceptable.
Seals of the United States
- Isolated or “tight-shots” of Seals of the United States, including governmental agencies, are unacceptable for commercial use. This restriction includes, but is not limited to the following: Great Seal of the United States, Seal of the President of the United States, Seal of the Vice President of the United States, Seal of the United States House of Representative, Seal of the United States Congress, Seal of the Department of Treasury, etc.
- Images that contain Seals of the United States, where the seal is not the main focus of the image, will be considered for commercial use on a case-by-case basis.
- Images that contain Seals of the United States can be accepted for editorial use with a proper caption.
- SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark and all intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned by Hasbro Inc. in the U.S.A and Canada.
- It is owned throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro.
Shure 55SH & Super 55 Microphones (aka “Elvis” Microphone)
- The Shure 55SH and Super 55 microphones (aka the “Elvis” microphone) have trademarked designs.
- Images that contain either of these microphones as the main focus of the image are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Illustrations that have been directly inspired from one of these microphones are unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- Images that contain these microphones, where they are not the main focus of the image, are acceptable as long as all logos and any other potential trademarks have been removed.
Social Media Icons
- Social Media Icons are copyrighted. This includes, but is not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, eBay, etc.
- Images of social media icons are not allowed for commercial use. However, they may be submitted for editorial use if they are newsworthy and have an appropriate editorial caption.
- Commercial images may not use the name of a social media platform as a keyword (except for “Instagram” where the image is processed by filter).
- Social media platform names may be used as a keyword for editorial images where the keyword is accurate.
- The words Spin, Spinning, the Spinning logo, Bodyblade, and Peak Pilates are registered trademarks of Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Stabilo Highlighters’ logo and design are trademarks of Stabilo International GmbH.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Acceptable for editorial use.
- Images containing the Steak ‘n Shake logo are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images submitted with the term “Steak ‘n Shake” as a keyword or in the title/description are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images containing the Steak ‘n Shake logo are acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption. Images submitted with the term “Steak ‘n Shake” as a keyword or in the title/description are acceptable for editorial use.
- Content featuring isolated Swiss Army knives may not be acceptable for commercial use. Editorial submissions will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- The term Teflon is a registered trademark of DuPont. Teflon is a “non-stick” chemical that is used on a wide variety of products, most commonly cookware, irons, and plumber’s tape.
- The word “Teflon” is unacceptable as a keyword in any image featuring a product or products.
Umbrellas & Risk (Insurance)
- Images containing the words “insurance” or “risk” with umbrellas, or an image of an umbrella with “insurance” or “risk” as a keyword or in the title/description are unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
Military Medals and Service Badges
- Images containing insignia of any nation’s active military service are not allowed to be used in royalty-free stock images.
- This includes agency insignia, military decorations, golden eagles and presidential seals. Other unit insignia in the form of patches, flags, metal insignia, or other heraldric devices are also protected.
- Images containing insignia of a nation’s military service are only acceptable as part of an editorial photograph with a proper caption.
United States Playing Card Company
- Produces and distributes playing cards including: The BICYCLE®, BEE®, AVIATOR®, HOYLE®, CLUB SPECIAL®
- The Rider Back Design, the Diamond Back Design and the Goddess of Liberty are registered trademarks of The United States Playing Card Company in the United States and other countries.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
Velomobile
- Images containing a velomobile (human-powered vehicle) are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images containing a velomobile are acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption.
Website Logos and Screen Captures
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images are acceptable as editorial only with a proper caption.
- The Wi-Fi Alliance Logo is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
- Unacceptable for commercial or editorial use.
- Zumba is a dance fitness program.
- The words “Zumba,” “Zumba Fitness,” “Zumbatomic,” “Zumba Gold,” “Zumbathon,” “Zumbawear,” and “Zlife” are registered trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC.
- Images that contain any of those trademarks, or images that are submitted with those trademarks as keywords or in the title/description, are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images that contain: Zumba, Zumba Fitness, Zumbatomic, Zumba Gold, Zumbathon, Zumbawear, and Zlife, are acceptable for editorial use with a proper caption.
Events:
- Located in Nevada, USA
- Burning Man / Black Rock City is a radically participatory experiment in temporary community.
- Commercial and public use of images is strictly prohibited
Major League Sporting Events
- Acceptable as editorial only, images cannot be used without proper credentials/property releases.
- Professional Racing logos, locations and events are trademarked.
- Images are acceptable as editorial only with appropriate captions.
Pro Sports Teams & Insignias
- Images are acceptable as editorial only and cannot be used without proper credentials/property release.
The Gates (art installation in Central Park, NYC)
- The Gates was an art exhibit that ran from February 12, 2005 through February 27, 2005 in Central Park, New York City.
- Images taken during this exhibit are unacceptable for commercial use.