The Berkeley Observer respects intellectual property rights and is committed to using photographs, videos, graphics, written content, and other media in a lawful, ethical, and responsible manner.
As a local news organization, we also recognize the importance of protecting our own original journalism and creative work. This policy explains how we obtain and use media, how copyright concerns can be reported, and how others may request permission to use content published by The Berkeley Observer.
How We Obtain Images & Video
The images, videos, graphics, and other media appearing on The Berkeley Observer are obtained through a variety of lawful sources, including:
- Original photography and video captured by The Berkeley Observer staff and contributors
- Licensed stock photography, video, and graphics purchased from reputable providers
- Creative Commons licensed content used in accordance with applicable licensing requirements
- Materials provided by government agencies, law enforcement agencies, schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community members
- Images and videos distributed through press releases, public information offices, and official media kits
- Images, illustrations, and graphics generated using artificial intelligence (AI) tools under the direction and editorial oversight of The Berkeley Observer
- Content used pursuant to the principles of fair use under U.S. copyright law
Whenever possible, we provide attribution and credit to the original creator or source.
AI-generated images are typically used for illustrative purposes when original photography is unavailable, impractical, or would not accurately represent the subject matter being reported. Editorial decisions regarding the use of AI-generated content remain under human control and oversight.
Fair Use & News Reporting
As a news organization, The Berkeley Observer may occasionally use limited portions of copyrighted material when such use is permitted under the Fair Use Doctrine established by Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. §107).
Fair use allows certain uses of copyrighted material for purposes such as:
- News reporting
- Commentary and criticism
- Public discussion
- Education
- Scholarship
- Research
- Analysis
Examples of content that may be used under fair use include:
- Embedded YouTube videos
- Embedded Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and other social media posts
- Screenshots used for reporting or commentary
- Publicly available profile photographs used to identify individuals involved in newsworthy events
- Limited excerpts of copyrighted works used for reporting, review, or analysis
The Berkeley Observer evaluates fair use on a case-by-case basis and makes reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable copyright laws.
Copyright Infringement Claims
If you believe that content appearing on The Berkeley Observer infringes upon your copyright, please notify us immediately.
Upon receipt of a valid copyright complaint, we will promptly review the matter and, when appropriate, remove or disable access to the disputed material while the claim is evaluated.
Copyright concerns should be submitted to:
Please include the following information:
(a) Your name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address;
(b) A description of the copyrighted work you claim has been infringed;
(c) The exact URL(s) or a description of where the allegedly infringing material appears on our website;
(d) A statement that you have a good-faith belief that the disputed use is not authorized by the copyright owner, the owner’s agent, or the law;
(e) Your physical or electronic signature, or the signature of a person authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner;
(f) A statement made under penalty of perjury that the information in your notice is accurate and that you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on the copyright owner’s behalf.
False or Misleading Claims
Please note that under Section 512(f) of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), any person who knowingly misrepresents that material or activity is infringing may be subject to legal liability.
We ask that all copyright claims be submitted honestly, accurately, and in good faith.
Use of The Berkeley Observer Content
Unless otherwise stated, original articles, photographs, videos, graphics, logos, and other content created by The Berkeley Observer are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without permission.
Readers are welcome to:
- Share links to our articles and videos
- Share our content through social media platform sharing tools
- Quote brief excerpts of our reporting for commentary, discussion, or news reporting with proper attribution
Permission is required before:
- Republishing full articles
- Republishing photographs, videos, or graphics
- Copying substantial portions of our content
- Reproducing content in newsletters, websites, broadcasts, or print publications
- Using Berkeley Observer content for commercial purposes
Requests to use our content should be submitted to:
We frequently work with community organizations, schools, government agencies, nonprofit groups, and fellow media outlets regarding content-sharing requests. Each request is reviewed individually.
Attribution Requirements
When permission is granted to use Berkeley Observer content, appropriate attribution must be provided.
Attribution should include:
Source: The Berkeley Observer
Whenever possible, a direct hyperlink to the original article should also be included.
User-Submitted Content
Community members occasionally submit photographs, videos, documents, story tips, and other materials to The Berkeley Observer.
By submitting content, contributors affirm that they either own the content or have the legal authority to provide it for publication.
The Berkeley Observer reserves the right to edit, publish, decline, archive, or remove submitted content at its discretion.
AI-Generated Content & Visuals
The Berkeley Observer may use artificial intelligence tools to assist with image creation, illustration, content research, transcription, and other newsroom functions.
However:
- Human editors maintain full editorial control.
- AI does not make publishing decisions.
- AI-generated content is reviewed before publication.
- AI-generated images are used only when appropriate and when they do not misrepresent actual events.
- AI-generated visuals may be identified as such when warranted.
Accuracy, transparency, and public trust remain our highest priorities.
Questions About Copyright or Content Usage
Questions regarding copyright, licensing, fair use, permissions, or content sharing may be directed to:
Our Commitment
The Berkeley Observer is committed to protecting intellectual property rights while ensuring the public has access to important local news and information. We believe responsible journalism and respect for creators go hand in hand.
Thank you for supporting independent local journalism.
