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Yes... I have read Morguefile's terms and conditions...
The problem is: What happens when someone downloads an image from Masterfile (for example) and pays the royalty free or rights-managed fees and then either intentionally, or by mistake, uploads that same image to MorgueFile?
Now you have an image that the artist intends to maintain control over being freely distributed as "Free". MorgueFile stating that the images are free does not revoke the artists rights to claim copyright over their image, and they are therefore within their legal rights to seek restitution for the use of their property.
Furthermore, if the image contains the likeness of people, then a model release must be on file for each explicit use of the photo... This is important where parents use their children or other family members or friends as models and then submit their photos to a site such as MorgueFile without consideration for how they might be used. How would a child (let alone the parent) feel if their image or likeness was used in some legal but controversial manner?
I'm not saying these problems are rampant, but as a part of a graphic design firm that has more than 30 years experience, I can tell you that they do occur...
I'm just saying, be careful, and consider the source of the photos you use in professional advertising pieces.
Mike.
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