Are AI Images Safe for Commercial Use? A Rights Checklist

Quick answer: AI images are usually usable commercially if your tool's licence allows it and the image doesn't copy protected work, real people, or other brands' trademarks. Check the tool's terms for your plan, use references you own, get consent for any real person, avoid copying other brands, and keep records.

The risks are in the inputs

Most problems come from what goes in: someone else's photo as a reference, a celebrity's face, a competitor's logo. Clean inputs make clean outputs.

Checklist

1. Check the tool's commercial terms for your plan.
2. Only use reference images you own or have rights to.
3. Get written consent from any real person shown.
4. Avoid other brands' logos and designs.
5. Don't prompt 'in the style of' living photographers for commercial work.
6. Keep prompts, references and outputs on file.

Prompt to copy

Create a one-page checklist for my team to complete before any AI image is used in a paid ad: tool licence, references owned, people consent, trademarks, accuracy, disclosure. Use yes/no boxes.

Common mistakes

• Using Pinterest images as references.
• Celebrity look-alikes.
• No records.

Where to do this in the Lab

• Creative Workspace — pay as you go, no subscription.
• AI Ethics for Creatives workshop — learn how to handle rights, disclosure and consent with confidence.

Related

• Can you sell AI art? Copyright and rights
• Commercial licensing and model rights guide

FAQ

Can I use AI images in ads?

Usually, if the tool licence allows it and inputs are clean.

Are images from free plans commercial?

It depends on the tool. Read the plan's terms.

Can I use a celebrity look-alike?

Avoid it; it risks likeness and endorsement claims.

What records should I keep?

Prompts, references, tool and date.

Next step: learn the whole workflow in a recorded workshop (see all workshops) or save with a bundle.