This is a guide on how to avoid violating copyright when using images of products that you did not take. This information can help prevent your listing from being removed due to copyright violation. The Importance of a Watermark An image watermark is a permanently embedded piece of text inserted into an image, which is normally done to protect copyright. When using an image which was not created or taken by you (excluding stock photos from the eBay catalog), you must watermark the image with image credit information in order not to violate intellectual property rights, otherwise, eBay will remove your listing. Another important fact to take into consideration, is that the image must be publicly available on the company's website in order for it to comply with copyright laws when re-used and watermarked. Other images may have a different license type and may still violate copyright law even when watermarked. How do I watermark the image? You can watermark the image using WaterMarkTool.com, which is a free, powerful online image watermarking tool, which will professionally watermark the image without making it look unprofessional and potentially deter customers. First, paste the URL of the original image into one of the "Upload" boxes. When done, click "Upload". Under "Step 2: Personalize", insert the text "Image Credit: [Company Name]®" into the "Text" box. An example watermarked image: This image does not violate copyright because the company which created the image is clearly credited for their work. Third step is to select "Middle Center" under the "Text Position" box.This will ensure that the watermark will be noticed by anyone searching for copyright violations, rather than off to the bottom right (which is selected by default), and it may be less noticeable, thus, increasing your chances of being accused of a copyright violation. It is recommended to leave all other settings in their default state. Fourth step: under "Step 3: View and Save", click on the image under "Watermarked Image(s)", then right-click on the image (which is on the page the linked image lead you to) and click "Save image as" (exact menu text may vary in different browsers) and save the image in a convenient location. After you finish saving the image, then it is safe to use that image in your listing. Is my listing completely safe from removal yet? As long as you did not copy the description from another website as well. If you did, then you need to credit the company or website for the description that was copied and pasted into the listing by typing something like "Product Description Provided by the Manufacturer ([Company Name]®):" before the description. An example listing description with the company properly and clearly credited for their work: Product Description Provided by the Manufacturer (Sony®): Enjoy listening to music wirelessly with other Bluetooth audio device at home. Built in high-power amplifier reproduces powerful sound. Can control volume wirelessly from BT device which has AVRCP(Vol+/-) capability. 1 analog input to connect non BT device.
I listed windows 7 ultimate as title "BRAND NEW WINDOWS 7 ULTIMATE 32&64 BIT FULL OPERATING SYSTEM" with watermarked image and description as "Product Description Provided by the Manufacturer (Microsoft®): "