How should we promote our literary magazine?

Can I use brand magazine images unaltered on my web site to promote products for the brand for free?

• I am building a fashion web site and would like to use some brand ad images with models on the site to promote products from the brands (for free, at least initially). Can I do so without violating the copyright of the brand?

• Answer:

  No, what you propose infringes on the copyright. You really can't use photos without permission, even if you use is beneficial to the owner of the photo. In this specific case, the brand probably does not own the copyright on the photo. The original photographer does and he expects payment for use. While it is possible that the brand has a license in which they can extend use to others, they have to do this explicitly by giving permission. This sort of permission is normally contained in their press packets, which they give out for free. So you really need to contact the brand and get permission or you risk a lawsuit from them or the original photographer.