Inspiring

Question

What is considered for the 'INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY REFUSAL' on my two photos?

Forum|Forum|5 months ago
October 13, 2025
4 replies
290 views

So, my photos got rejected for 'Intellectual Property Refusal.' What did I do, accidentally photograph a squirrel with a tiny, trademarked acorn? Can someone please enlighten me on what this really means, before I get a cease and desist from Adobe Stock Police?

Contributors

Ricky336

Community Expert

Hello,

Your 2nd photo of the pier is a hard one for IP. It could be that it is owned, or this just got lumped together with your other image, where the signs on the buildings would come under IP.

Jill_C

Community Expert

On such images you need to zoom in and carefully inspect for signs, logos and recognizable people and edit them out. My rule of thumb is that if it takes more than 5 minutes to inspect and edit, it's not worth the time required. Also, do some more reading about Intellectual Property, which protects the privacy and interests of all of us.

Jill C., Forum Volunteer

J

jia1674Author

Inspiring

Yeah, I can see myself carrying a stack of consent forms on my next trip—just in case a lamppost feels violated… at least until lawyers go extinct. But you’re right, I’ll read up more on IP stuff. No one wants to get sued by a sandwich shop logo.

daniellei4510

Community Expert

"Yeah, I can see myself carrying a stack of consent forms on my next trip"

There's an app for that. 😉

Adobe Community Expert | If you can't fix it, hide it; if you can't hide it, delete it.

yamato713108855

Community Expert

The image will be checked at 100% magnification.

If there is text or a logo on the sign, it will not pass the inspection.

Also, if a person's face is visible, a model release will be required.

Please make any edits using Photoshop or similar software before submitting it.

daniellei4510

Community Expert

The KB logo needs to be removed for sure, but as for the pier itself, this might be privately owned and requires a property release?

Adobe Community Expert | If you can't fix it, hide it; if you can't hide it, delete it.

J

jia1674Author

Inspiring

Ah, lawyers — the selfless guardians of justice who charge by the minute to prove it. Truly, they are a gift to humanity. And let’s not forget their tireless devotion to fairness, as long as the retainer clears first.

Nancy OShea

Community Expert

Ah, lawyers — the selfless guardians of justice...
By @jia1674

==========

Be that as it may, you'll lose in matters of intellectual property infringement. It's the law, not the lawyers.

Adobe and their customers won't risk legal disputes. You're on your own.

Having signed release forms helps protect you from financial loss & potential legal penalties if there's a dispute.

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert

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