Am I allowed to include images from a database on posters to be placed on campus?
Question
I'm wondering about the rights to the AP Photo Archive. The Vice Chancellor and Provost Committee on Academic Integrity is designing some posters to place on kiosks around campus (so this is a promotional/advertising context) and wants to use photos of public figures, politicians and celebrities that are on AP Photo Archive (Accunet). But I'm not sure that these can be used for other than NEWS purposes or in-class assignments. I would appreciate your advice as soon as possible. What rights do we have with those photos?
Response
Thanks for your inquiry. Section 6.4 of the user agreement for this database states that "archive photographs may not be used or published in newspapers, magazines, brochures, catalogs, commercial announcements, calendars, posters, yearbooks, playbills, newsletters, on t-shirts, or promotional items, or for commercial use or gain of any kind."
While the use you described is not commercial, it appears not to be allowed. I have attached the full agreement for your reference. The Arts and Humanities Services Department of the library may be able to help you identify a similar source for images that could be used for this purpose. Sorry this is not possible with AP.
