Do I need to get permission from the manufacturer to use an image in a commercial website?

Question

I'm putting together a website for a large company, with image of suppliers that link to their websites. These suppliers are renowned and there are many websites that already sell and use their product images. I'm afraid to use their customer service email provided in their website, since the companies are so large. Is there any other way I can do this? People keep telling me that it won't be a problem just to use the image without getting permission, for my company is large and everyone will benefit.

Answer 1

Cover your derriere and get permission - it probably just takes a phone call to their marketing department. It is a win-win and they may want to see a screen shot before giving approval, but do it - and get it in writing.

Answer 2

You should always ask permission to use another company's images. You don't want to have your website shut down by a cease and desist order just because you didn't follow proper protocol to obtain permission.

If I were you, I'd try to contact either Customer Service and/or the Marketing Department of the company whose image you wish to use. (Large companies receive these types of requests all the time.) Unless you are a direct competitor, they should have no problem with you using their product image. I would venture to guess that they may even be willing to send you an actual image for you to use.

Good luck.