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 — 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
- 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.
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- Photographs are permitted for personal use only and are not to be published anywhere (including personal web sites) without the expressed written consent of the Museum.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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- Located in Silesia, Poland.
- A property release is required for commercial use.
- Editorial submissions will be considered with a proper caption.
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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- Theme Park & Resort complex located in Anaheim, California.
- 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 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 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.
- Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) currently owns the sign, and the design itself is in the public domain.
- Acceptable for commercial use.
- Located in Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- The Lincoln Memorial is controlled by the National Park Service and considered to be in the public domain for usage in royalty-free stock.
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.
Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial)
- Located in Arlington, VA.
- 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 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.
- Editorial submissions will be considered with a proper caption 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- Located on Liberty Island in New York City.
- The Statue of Liberty is controlled by the National Park Service and is considered in the public domain for usage in royalty-free stock imagery.
- Located in Stanford, California.
- Images taken on campus are unacceptable for 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.
- 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.
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:
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.
Banknotes
- Flat scans of banknotes (both U.S. & foreign) are unacceptable for commercial use.
- Canadian banknotes are unacceptable to reproduce in any form.
- British Pound banknotes are unacceptable to reproduce in any form.
- British pound coins are acceptable
- 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 Royal Canadian Mint requires prior written permission for use of its coin designs.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
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)
- Due to potential legal issues, we are not accepting this type of content.
- Devil duckies are copyrighted by Accoutrements, Inc.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
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.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Acceptable for commercial use as long as they are displayed in “good taste”.
Famous Trophies/Awards
- Oscar award statue, Grammys, AMAs, Emmy etc.
- Unacceptable 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.
- 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.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Images of the Guy Fawkes Mask can only be accepted for editorial use with proper citation.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
Modern Maps
- Maps should look as generic as possible.
- Maps with distinguishable markers or symbols are 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 Neocube magnetic toy is copyrighted.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- All Olympic logos and torches are trademarked designs.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- 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 accompanied by a proper editorial caption.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- Editorial submissions will be considered with a proper caption.
Public Domain Content
- We do not accept public domain content.
- As stated in our guidelines: “Submissions must be wholly owned by the submitter. Found or public domain images or footage cannot be submitted under any circumstances.”
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.
- 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.
- 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 Balls
- Soccer Balls must feature the black & white generic pattern design.
- Any other unique designs will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Stuffed Animals & Toys
- The majority of stuffed animals & toys have copyright protection.
- Isolated images are unacceptable for commercial use unless a property release is obtained.
- Images are acceptable where the toy is incidental to the composition. These images will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- 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.
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
Brands:
- 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 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.
Disney (logos and products)
- Disney logos, products, characters, and word-marks cannot be used in royalty-free images.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Brand of instant film cameras manufactured by the Polaroid Corporation.
- Shots featuring the camera are unacceptable for commercial use.
- “Polaroid” cannot be used as a keyword or description for any image.
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.
- 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.
Social Media Icons
- Social Media Icons are all copyrighted.
- This includes, but is not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, eBay, etc.
- Any images of, or reference to Facebook (e.g., Like Button, Friends symbol, Chat symbol) is not allowed for commercial use.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- The words Spin, Spinning, the Spinning logo, Bodyblade, and Peak Pilates are registered trademarks of Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc.
- Unacceptable for commercial use.
- United States insignia of the 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.
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.
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.
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.
