At Bridgeman Images, we can help you access the highest-quality visuals while simplifying compliance with licensing requirements. Let's take a look at the main types of image licences and what you need to consider before publishing or sharing an image.

What’s the Difference Between Royalty-Free and Rights-Managed?

These are two of the most common licensing models in the commercial image world.

  • Royalty-Free (RF) does not mean free of charge. Instead, it means that once you pay the licensing fee, you can use the image multiple times across a range of projects without having to pay additional royalties. It’s typically non-exclusive, meaning others will be able to license the same image as you.
  • Rights-Managed (RM) images, conversely, are licensed for a specific use and defined by factors like duration, location, format, and distribution. This can include print runs, digital platforms, or specific industries. RM licences often offer exclusivity, where no one else can use the image in the same way for the same period. Exclusivity is particularly valuable for brands or editorial projects seeking uniqueness.

How Do Editorial Licenses Work?

Editorial licences cover images used for journalistic, educational, or non-commercial purposes. Think newspapers, magazines, blogs, documentaries, or academic publications. These images often depict real events, public figures, or culturally significant moments. Important to note is that such images are licensed for use in contexts that inform or educate, not for advertising or promotional campaigns. When using editorial imagery, you must ensure that the use does not imply endorsement or misrepresent the subject.

→ For educational publishing and licensing, see our specialised advice.
→ For bespoke advice and help navigating usage rights, contact our team today.

 

film set with camera
Filming in Munich, 1986 (photo), Petri, Christa / © SZ Photo / Christa Petri / Bridgeman Images

What Are Commercial Use Licences and When Do I Need One?

If your image use is intended to promote, advertise, or sell a product or service, you will need a commercial licence. This applies to everything from brochures and websites to packaging and social media marketing.
Commercial licensing generally requires clear rights for distribution and modification, depending on your project

Whether you choose royalty-free or rights-managed depends on the scope and exclusivity your campaign demands.

→  For examples of our images in action, see our commercial Case Studies.

Public Domain Images

Public domain images are no longer under copyright, either because the copyright expired or the creator waived their rights. This means they can be used without requiring additional permissions from the  creator.
However, there can still be restrictions to consider:

  • Moral rights or privacy laws may still apply, especially with identifiable people
  • Some institutions (like museums or archives) may place usage guidelines on digitised works
  • High-quality digital reproductions might be protected separately

When using public domain images, especially for commercial or large-scale use, it’s worth sourcing them through a reputable archive or licensing partner who can confirm their status and advise on best practices.

→ To find such images with us, look out for the keyword: ALLCLEAR when searching our archive.

woman with dog under tree
Pastorales tahitiennes (oil on canvas), Gauguin, Paul (1848-1903) / State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia / © Erich Lessing / Bridgeman Images

Licensing with Confidence   

Understanding image licences ensures not only legal compliance but also respect for artists, subjects, and content creators. At Bridgeman Images, we offer a curated range of both rights-managed and royalty-free content.

→ Click here to learn more about Image Licensing.

 

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