When can I use stock images or clipart in my designs?
We advise against using stock images or clipart in your designs, but it’s okay when:
- the design is not going to be used commercially, and
- you declare to the contest holder that you’re using licensed content, regardless of whether they’ll need to buy the license or not.
We also strongly recommend that you read iStockphoto’s top five license faux pas.
Most licenses for such images are non-transferable (meaning you can’t just give the license to the contest holder), and don’t let you use the image in a design which is to be trademarked (such as a logo).
If you don’t declare the licensed content you’ve used, you’re liable for any damages incurred by the contest holder (as explained in our Intellectual Property Transfer Agreement). So please — play by the rules.