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Participant
Mar 29, 2025 3:19 PM UTC
Answered

Licensing images

 I want to buy an image to be used as one element of a book cover. The extended license says 

"Can be used on merchandise for sale excluding Editorial Use Only assets." I can't figure out if that means I can or can't use it.

ConorMac

Abambo
AbamboCorrect answer
Community Expert
Apr 3, 2025 12:20 PM UTC

First: Stock assets are meant to be used, so sure, you can use it, with one exception: if the asset is marked editorial use only. So, it depends on the asset.

Second: an extended license is only needed when the primary value of your book lies in the cover image. If not, a standard license may be enough. Check all the conditions.

Third: Editorial use only assets may probably not be used for your book cover, except if the book is non-fiction and treats the exact subject of the picture (like a book about Apple, and an Apple device in the picture).

 

Look here for more information on licensing: https://community.adobe.com/t5/stock/links-for-licensing-terms/td-p/11366788
(Disclaimer: As always with licensing, this is my interpretation of the rules. I think they are correct and advice is based on reading and interpreting the licence terms and on fair use for both the buyer and the artist/stock company, but I cannot rule out that my interpretation is wrong. I'm not an Adobe employee).

ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer

4 replies

conormacAuthor
Participant
Apr 6, 2025 4:08 PM UTC

Thanks folks. That information was very helpful. I'm sure I can use the image. I bought the extended liceense just to be sure.

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Abambo
Community Expert
Community Expert
Apr 11, 2025 5:32 AM UTC

You're welcome. You could even sell mugs with the asset now. The contributor will be happy. 🙂

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ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
Abambo
Community Expert
AbamboCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
Apr 3, 2025 12:20 PM UTC

First: Stock assets are meant to be used, so sure, you can use it, with one exception: if the asset is marked editorial use only. So, it depends on the asset.

Second: an extended license is only needed when the primary value of your book lies in the cover image. If not, a standard license may be enough. Check all the conditions.

Third: Editorial use only assets may probably not be used for your book cover, except if the book is non-fiction and treats the exact subject of the picture (like a book about Apple, and an Apple device in the picture).

 

Look here for more information on licensing: https://community.adobe.com/t5/stock/links-for-licensing-terms/td-p/11366788
(Disclaimer: As always with licensing, this is my interpretation of the rules. I think they are correct and advice is based on reading and interpreting the licence terms and on fair use for both the buyer and the artist/stock company, but I cannot rule out that my interpretation is wrong. I'm not an Adobe employee).

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ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
jane-e
Community Expert
Community Expert
Mar 29, 2025 3:43 PM UTC

@conormac 

 

I've moved your post from Photoshop to the Adobe Stock forum.

 

Jane

 

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