Why are photos of an American flag being rejected as Intellectual Property?

GREAT SHOT! I stand by my original comment… I uploaded the shot to Gemini and here is what I got:

In the context of stock photography, "Intellectual Property" (IP) violations often extend beyond the main subject to include secondary elements like specific brand designs. For this photo, the most likely reasons for rejection are:

• Distinctive Embroidery and Stitching Pattern: Some high-end or specialty flag manufacturers have proprietary methods for stitching stars (the density, the "3D" raised effect, or specific embroidery patterns). If the specific look of these stars is unique to a brand, it can be flagged as a protected "trade dress" or industrial design. community.adobe.com
• Fabric Texture and Weave: Occasionally, the specific weave of the nylon or cotton—especially if it is a "tear-resistant" or "all-weather" patented material—can be considered an IP issue if the manufacturer is recognizable by that texture.
• Potential Trademark in the "Void": Reviewers are extremely strict about even a tiny fragment of a manufacturer's tag or a watermark that might be visible in the folds or along the white seams where the stripes meet the blue field. millernash.com

While the American flag itself is in the public domain, the specific physical product used in the photo was manufactured by a company that may hold the rights to its unique design features or fabrication methods. Stock agencies often reject these photos to avoid any risk of a commercial misappropriation claim from the manufacturer.

While this contributor forum is great for somethings, AI is faster and better for questions like yours, and since it’s here to stay I encourage you to use it wisely.

Your closeup full frame is the reason, not because of the flag itself, but because of the isolation of the flag, which can never be used for advertisement. And flag on a pole with a beautiful blue sky is likely to be accepted.

Have a great day!

Upload the picture here so we can see if there’s something else in the image triggering the rejection.