Online images are an important part of any business’s marketing and branding strategy. They can help to convey your message, promote your products or services, and engage your audience. However, with the ease of copying and sharing digital content, it is important to take steps to protect your online images from theft.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective resources for keeping people from stealing your online images. We will cover topics such as watermarks, digital rights management (DRM) software, copyright and trademark registration, disabling right-click, and third-party services. By implementing these resources, you can help to safeguard your online images and prevent unauthorized use.

Watermarks

Adding a watermark to your images is a simple and effective way to deter thieves. A watermark is a visible mark that is placed on an image to identify the owner and discourage unauthorized use. Watermarks can be as simple as a company logo or a more complex graphic, and they can be placed in a variety of locations on the image.

Digital rights management (DRM) software

DRM software is a tool that can be used to prevent unauthorized copying and distribution of digital content. This type of software can be used to encrypt images, making them unreadable to anyone without the proper access keys.

Copyright and trademark registration

Registering your images with the U.S. Copyright Office or obtaining a trademark registration can provide legal protection against image theft. This can help to establish your ownership of the images and give you the right to take legal action against anyone who uses them without permission.

Disabling right-click

Some website owners disable the right-click function on their website to prevent users from easily downloading or copying images. This can be done using a simple JavaScript code that can be added to the website’s code.

Use a third-party service:

There are several third-party services that can help to protect your online images. These services typically use a combination of watermarks, DRM software, and other technologies to prevent unauthorized use. Some popular options include Digimarc and ImageRights.

In addition to using these resources, it is also important to include a clear and enforceable terms of service agreement on your website. This document should outline the rules and regulations governing the use of your website, including provisions related to copyright and trademark infringement. Having a clear and enforceable terms of service agreement can help to deter potential infringers and provide a legal basis for taking action against them.