Images, permissions and attribution
Updated 2026-10-21
Purpose and limits
This policy governs selection of images for IC-MER educational articles. It combines rights checks with IC-MER’s own rule against reusing one original across different articles. The non-reuse rule is an editorial choice, not a statement that copyright law requires exclusive images.
Verify the right to use each image
Before an image is added, the image editor identifies its source and records the creator, rights holder where known, permission or applicable license, relevant restrictions and required attribution. A visible image on a website or search result is not automatically available for republication. A credit by itself does not replace permission when permission is required. If the editor cannot establish an appropriate use basis, the image is held and another image is selected.
Keep an evidence record
The image register keeps the original source URL, original identity, content hash, local or hosted asset URL, creator credit, license or permission reference, verification date, article assignment and reviewer notes. A source page or license page may change; preserve relevant permission evidence in the organization’s records. File hashes identify exact copies but do not establish that an image is lawful to use or detect every edited duplicate.
One original per article
An image assigned to one article must not be assigned to another. Crops, new resolutions, color edits and renamed copies are treated as versions of the same original. An article may use its own cover in a thumbnail that links to that article. Homepage and existing brand imagery are reserved and cannot be repurposed as article covers. The image editor also checks visually for near-duplicates; filename differences do not establish uniqueness.
Accurate illustrations and labels
Images must match the topic and must not give a false impression of evidence. Stock photographs and AI-created illustrations are identified appropriately and are not represented as IC-MER staff, facilities, patients, study participants or results. Charts and medical diagrams must be checked for correct labels and data. Conceptual illustrations must not be presented as measured outcomes. Alternative text explains meaningful visual information; a caption supplies context and credits.
Original and AI-assisted artwork
New artwork requires a record of how it was made and which outside assets, if any, it incorporates. AI assistance does not automatically establish copyright ownership, exclusivity, freedom from third-party rights or a right to license every element to others. Any public reuse license must reflect rights actually held. This policy does not grant a new Creative Commons or other license to the website’s images.
People, trademarks and sensitive material
Before using an identifiable person, logo, patient image or sensitive setting, assess the specific permission, privacy, publicity and trademark issues. The agent must not invent consent or a release. Uncertainty is escalated to the responsible editor and, where consequential, qualified counsel. Removing a name is not sufficient proof that a patient or participant is unidentifiable.
Rights concerns and corrections
A person raising a rights concern can use the published contact info@ic-mer.org and identify the image and page URL. The responsible editor should preserve the notice and asset evidence, investigate promptly, and hold a disputed image if its permission cannot be substantiated. This contact is not represented as a registered DMCA agent, and this policy does not claim statutory safe-harbor eligibility.