Safe‑Use Checklist for AI Images
A practical guide for Shopify merchants using AI‑generated visuals
1. Copyright & Ownership
- AI‑generated images are not copyrighted, but you receive a broad license to use them commercially.
- You can use them in product pages, ads, banners, and social media.
- If you edit or combine AI images with your own design work, your final composite can be copyrighted because it includes human authorship.
2. Avoid Trademark & Brand Violations
Do not include:
- Recognizable brand logos (Harley‑Davidson, Nike, Apple, etc.)
- Trademarked product designs that are unique and identifiable
- Branded packaging or labels
- Characters or mascots owned by companies
Safe rule: If a real company owns it, don’t recreate it.
3. Avoid Identifiable Real People
- Do not generate images of celebrities, influencers, or private individuals.
- Use generic, fictional people or stylized characters instead.
- This avoids rights‑of‑publicity issues.
4. Use Original Prompts
- Describe the scene, not a specific copyrighted artwork.
- Avoid prompts like “in the style of [artist]” or “replicate this movie poster.”
- Instead, describe the mood, lighting, colors, and composition.
5. Check for Unintended Elements
Before publishing, verify the image does not contain:
- Hidden logos
- Brand‑specific shapes or patterns
- Copyrighted characters
- Text that looks like a real brand name
If it does, regenerate or edit it out.
6. Use AI Images for the Right Purposes
Safe uses:
- Lifestyle scenes
- Backgrounds
- Decorative banners
- Concept art
- Mockups
- Product storytelling
Not recommended:
- Fake product photos of items you’re actually selling
- Images that imply a product exists when it doesn’t
- Images that misrepresent product quality or features
7. Add Human Creative Input
To strengthen your rights and brand consistency:
- Add overlays, text, color grading, or cropping
- Combine multiple images
- Apply your brand’s visual style
This transforms the AI output into a human‑authored creative work.
8. Keep a Record of Your Prompts
For transparency and future edits:
- Save your prompts
- Save your edited versions
- Keep a version history for compliance
This is especially helpful for regulated industries or mission‑driven brands.
9. Use AI Images Ethically
- Avoid generating harmful, misleading, or discriminatory content.
- Do not imply endorsements from brands or individuals.
- Be transparent if an image is conceptual rather than a real product photo.
10. When in Doubt, Regenerate
If an image feels too close to a real brand or copyrighted work, it’s easier to regenerate than to risk it.
