Skip to main content
Participant
February 25, 2025
Question

When should you mark 'Yes' for recognizable property in photos?

  • February 25, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 316 views

Hello!

I'm starting to upload my photos to stock platforms and encountered a question: when should I answer "Yes" to the question about recognizable property in the photo?

I'm curious about:

  • What is considered recognizable property? (architecture, private houses, famous buildings, etc.)
  • Should I select "Yes" if the photo shows public places, such as streets, parks, or landmarks?
  • How to handle interior photos where furniture or decorative elements are visible?
  • Is permission required if the photo includes famous landmarks (e.g., the Eiffel Tower, colorful houses in Italy)?

I have attached a few photos for which I'm unsure how to proceed. I would appreciate any explanations and examples from personal experience!

3 replies

Jill_C
Community Expert
Community Expert
February 25, 2025

DSCF0768 копия.jpg - this one is much too blurry, but you would have needed a model release for the woman and property releases for every product in the shelves in which the logos are visible.

DSCF1142 копия.jpg - this one is also b,Urey, but is filled with recognizable people and you would need to bots in model releases from each person.

 

Have you read the Adobe Stock help pages relating to Intellectual Property?

 

 

Jill C., Forum Volunteer
Participant
February 25, 2025

 

Hi!

When uploading stock photos, you should mark "Yes" for recognizable property if the image contains private or protected property that could require a property release. Here’s a general guideline:

1. What is Recognizable Property?

  • Buildings & Architecture: Private homes, modern buildings with distinctive designs, and famous landmarks with copyright/trademark restrictions.
  • Interiors & Decor: Recognizable furniture, artwork, murals, logos, or unique designs inside buildings.
  • Trademarked or Copyrighted Elements: Cars with visible logos, branded products, store interiors, amusement parks, or unique sculptures.

2. Public Places (Streets, Parks, Landmarks)

  • If a photo shows a generic street or park without recognizable private property, you can usually mark "No."
  • Some landmarks are protected (e.g., the illuminated Eiffel Tower at night, the Hollywood Sign, or certain modern buildings), so in these cases, mark "Yes."

3. Interiors & Decorative Elements

  • If an image includes recognizable furniture, artwork, or unique decorations inside a private space, select "Yes."
  • Generic interiors with unbranded or common furniture usually don’t require marking it as property.

4. Famous Landmarks

  • Some landmarks require permission (e.g., the Eiffel Tower at night, the Sydney Opera House).
  • Others, like natural landscapes or older historical buildings, are usually fine for commercial use without a property release.

5. Important: Property Release Required

If you mark "Yes" for recognizable property, you must also provide a correctly and fully completed property release. Without a valid release, the image may be rejected for commercial use.

If you're unsure, always check the stock agency’s guidelines. When in doubt, marking "Yes" helps avoid potential issues. Hope this helps, and best of luck with your uploads!

daniellei4510
Community Expert
Community Expert
February 25, 2025

1) Recognizable property includes architecture, private houses, and famous buildings. Some do and some don't require property releases. A Google search might help determine which. Private homes, where the individual owning the home would recognize it, would require a property release IF it is considered the main subject of the image. 

2) Landmarks may or may not require a release. Federal and city parks often have their own rules regarding commercial use. 

3) Interior photos are usually fine, so long as they don't show an original work of art.

4) Images of the Eiffel Tower can be used commercially if photographed during the daytime. When it is lit at night, a release is required. Again, it is different for each individual case. Use Google for assistance.

 

These are general examples. Opinions may vary.

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