Copyright problems with images?

 

DAM for better licence and usage management

Image copyright infringements can be expensive for companies – both financially and in terms of brand reputation. Whether stock photos, photographer images or AI-generated content: The management of usage rights is complex. A digital asset management system (DAM) with sophisticated role and rights management offers the ideal solution to minimise risks and optimise processes.

Why image rights management is so important

 

The challenge often begins with the simple question: Who is authorised to use this image, how, where and for how long? image material is obtained from a wide variety of sources – from stock photo databases, photographers and agencies to in-house produced content or now also AI-generated images. Each of these channels has its own licence models, usage rights and restrictions.

Without structured processes and centralised administration, there is a risk of:
      • Infringements of usage rights (e.g. use outside the licence period)
      • Confusion of image sources (approved stock photo vs. copyrighted material)
      • Lack of proof of licences in the event of warnings
      • Lack of clarity regarding internal roles and responsibilities
       
  A DAM system creates transparency here - provided it is implemented with a focus on rights and licence security.

Roles & rights in the DAM system: more than just access control

 

A modern DAM system not only enables the storage and retrieval of media, but also serves as the centrepiece of licence management. The assignment of roles and rights must be granularly controllable – depending on the department, location or project type.

Important functions of a DAM in relation to licences:

 
      • Automated licence monitoring: Expiry dates, territorial usage rights and permitted media channels can be stored directly on the asset.
      • Access control by role: Only authorised users can download or publish assets.
      • Versioning & logging: Every change to the asset - from upload to archiving - is documented in a traceable manner.
      • Metadata management: Licence information, copyright notices and contract attachments can be entered and searched.
       
  A DAM without these functions can quickly become a source of chaos instead of a solution
Copyright

AI-generated images: A new dimension to the copyright issue

 

Tools such as DALL-E, Midjourney and Stable Diffusion are creating a new area of tension. While AI images are fascinatingly creative and cost-efficient, their legal categorisation is still unclear.

The main risks:

 
      • Lack of legal certainty: In many jurisdictions (including the EU), AI-generated images do not enjoy traditional copyright protection as they were not created by a natural person.
      • Training data problem: Many AI models have been trained with copyright-protected images - which can lead to implicit infringements.
      • Unclear licence conditions: The terms of use of AI platforms vary widely - commercial use is not always permitted or can be revoked..
       
   

Role of the DAM in the AI context:

 

An intelligent DAM system should be able to:

 
      • Label AI-generated content
      • Document sources and creation parameters
      • Automatically check usage restrictions
      • Integrate warning mechanisms in the event of insufficient licences
       
   

In this way, a DAM can also help to stay on the safe side legally with AI images.

Common mistakes during DAM implementation

Despite their potential, many DAM projects fail due to fundamental problems:
      • A lack of expertise in handling licence data: A DAM is only as good as its users. An understanding of metadata maintenance and licence rules is essential.
      • Lack of initial data maintenance: Without complete licence information during import, every asset is a potential source of danger.
      • Inadequate interfaces: Integration with tools such as editorial systems or social media planners must take the flow of rights into account.
      • Unclear governance structures: Who decides on approvals, licence extensions or the deletion of expired assets?
      • No automated processes for licence expiries: Without automatic deadline warnings, image licences expire unnoticed, which can lead to unlawful use and potential warnings.
       
  Structured change management and clear responsibilities are essential for success.

DAM system: The solution for legally compliant licence management

 

A powerful digital asset management system offers far more than simple media management. It structures image usage, controls licence terms and protects against misuse.

Important DAM functions for image rights & licences:

 
      • Central storage of licence information
      • Automatic licence expiry monitoring
      • Role-based access control to assets
      • Audit-proof logging of changes
      • Metadata maintenance for rights and sources
       
  So wird sichergestellt, dass nur Bilder verwendet werden, deren Nutzung klar geregelt ist – intern wie extern.

Conclusion: On the safe side with a DAM system and licence management

Today, a DAM system is indispensable for companies that work professionally with image material. Especially when dealing with AI images and complex licence models, a DAM with a properly configured rights and roles system is a decisive competitive advantage.

      • Fewer legal risks
      • Greater efficiency in content workflows
      • Transparent rights management
      • Clear documentation of all image usage
       
 

Those who introduce a DAM with a focus on licence compliance today are also well prepared for future copyright issues in the age of AI.

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