It’s important to understand that there is no way to guarantee that an image will not be stolen, but we would like to offer some tips on how to safeguard your images online. The more deterrents you add, the less appealing your images become to thieves.

1. The Internet has changed the face of global trade;
Image Protection Tips it has also greatly impacted the use of images
online. It is now easier than ever to promote
products online-- organizing, editing and sharing
images is just a few clicks away. Unfortunately, this
also means that image theft through unauthorized
use of photos is easier than ever. To put this
simply, if you don’t want your photos stolen, don’t
put them on the Internet.
It’s important to understand that there is no way to
guarantee that an image will not be stolen, but we
would like to offer some tips on how to safeguard
your images online. The more deterrents you add,
the less appealing your images become to thieves.

2. Watermark your image:
1 This is the most effective and convenient way to prevent unauthorized use of an image. By placing a watermark on an
image, you make it more difficult for someone to use the image without permission. For the watermark to be most
effective, place the watermark at the center of the image to make it more difficult to remove. Some watermarks are
even dispersed over the entire image. The more time consuming it is for someone to remove the watermark, the less
likely it is someone will target the image for unauthorized use.
a. http://cameras.about.com/od/photoeditingtips/a/How-To-Watermark-Your-Photos.htm
b. http://picmarkr.com/ (Free watermark online)
c. http://www.watermarkfactory.com/products.htm (Software, try or buy)
d. Watermark your images in Photoshop, the image editing software. This watermark can be “invisible”, hidden
into the picture.
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Use the image as a background:
Place a blank file over the original image; the real image becomes unreachable unless checked from the source.
When someone tries to right click the image, they will only be able to copy the blank image that overlaid the
original background image.
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3. 3
Block right click/copy from your website:
To make it more difficult for others to right click and copy an image from your website, you can use JavaScript to
disable this function. This will prevent the option of copying an image that normally shows up when you right click
on an image. The caveat is that IT experts can disable JavaScript on their computer and still copy the image.
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Use low resolution images:
Use low resolution images to make it more difficult for others to reuse an image even if they used “print screen”
to copy an image.
Use flash format:
5 Create and upload image files as a flash format (swf) rather than a picture file format (e.g. jpeg, png), to help
prevent others from directly copying the file. This is less effective since it can be re-saved as another format and
easily reused without authorization.
Coding with .htaccess:
6 A .htaccess file is a plain text file that can prevent others from using a web link of the image to make a copy.
More details on how to use .htaccess files can be found at www.naturefocused.com.
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4. Disable print screen:
7 There is a way to disable Window’s “Print Screen” function, but even this does not technically prevent someone
from stealing an image, because it is possible to write applications that can capture a window’s image pixels. To
disable print screen, simply register a hot key to your app, which prevents others from copying an image with
print screen. More detailed instructions on this process can be found online at www.msdn.microsoft.com/en-us.
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Monitor and report unauthorized use:
If you do find unauthorized use of your images on Alibaba.com, please contact us at
tradesecurity@service.alibaba.com to report stolen images so we can work with our web team to help resolve
the issue.
Sources:
Msdn.microsoft.com: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/cc163713.aspx
.htaccess coding: http://www.naturefocused.com/articles/image-protection.html
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5. Alibaba Australia’s Social Media Channels
Facebook: Facebook has over 10 million active Australian users per month so becoming an active participant with the Alibaba Facebook Page will
have benefits for any proactive business.
The Alibaba Facebook Page boasts instant downloads of the Business Starter Kit for sourcing products and finding quality suppliers. You’re able to view
videos, Alibaba Upcoming Events, member testimonials and exclusive promotions and event invites.
LinkedIn: The LinkedIn Alibaba Group will connect like-minded members, provide a new stream of potential suppliers and foster stronger relationships
with existing members. The Group allows members to expand into their professional LinkedIn network, using an already trusted global brand.
Twitter: Get fast and instant facts from Alibaba, by following our Twitter profile alibaba_aus
We’ll be ‘tweeting’ our own flavour of AliFacts with useful and helpful reminders for your Australian on-line experience in buying and supplying.
Here’s a recent ‘tweet’ highlighting what a local Adelaide business is doing: “An Adelaide hair salon is using Alibaba.com to grow its business & help
cancer patients look & feel their best http://ow.ly/629r8 “
YouTube: The Alibaba Australia YouTube Video Channel is a growing member showcase of success stories and testimonials. To get a taste of the sort of
member stories you could also be a part of, check out THIS VIDEO.
Participating allows for expanding your market reach and to tell the world about your products and services.
Alibaba Blog: The Alibaba AU Blog provides tips for the online trading beginner, setting up a successful online business, advice in finding the right
products from the right suppliers for your business and information on how best to optimise your product line and process.
Access the latest trends and products in Australia’s online trading industry by subscribing to the blog.
Join Together For Greater Success
Alibaba is firmly dedicated to rapid growth within the Australian market and, more importantly, our partnerships with Australian
members. Like any strong and long-term business relationship, your success is our success.
Please do check through each of the Alibaba Social Channels we have put together and join those that align to your business and personal objectives.
Can We Spread Your Word Too?
If you have a successful sourcing / business story to tell, we would love to hear from you via our Social Media Channels.
We like to promote success stories via Testimonials, Press Releases and in general, our Social Media Channels - please do let us know your story.
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