This article is also available in: 繁體中文 · Tiếng Việt
Contents (8)
An official image does not come with permission to make fan goods simply because it appears on an official website, you charge nothing, or you credit the source. First distinguish between keeping a copy, distributing goods publicly, selling them, and promoting the finished work online. Then identify the rights holder and the permitted uses.
Personal copies and public sharing are separate uses
In its April 17, 2026 explanation, Taiwan’s Intellectual Property Office uses merchandise made from publicly available photos to explain possible reproduction, adaptation and subsequent online public transmission. Keeping something for noncommercial personal or family use may leave room for fair use, subject to the relevant conditions. Public sharing needs a separate assessment.
“Keeping it for myself” therefore does not automatically mean “I can give large quantities to fans.” Whether a use qualifies as fair use depends on the circumstances; disputed cases are decided by the judicial authorities. This is the Taiwan context of the original article, not a statement of copyright rules worldwide.
Free distribution and attribution do not equal permission
Whether a free giveaway is allowed depends on the actual use and its scope. The absence of a sale is not the sole test. A rights holder’s silence, or the fact that somebody else did it before, is not permission either.
The Intellectual Property Office’s explanation of image attribution also makes clear that crediting a source does not replace permission to use a picture. Its example concerns online selling, but it helps distinguish attribution from authorization.
Five things to confirm before production
- The maker identifies the rights holder. The person in a photo is not necessarily the person who owns the photo rights.
- The organizer describes the intended uses: printing, distribution, sales, publishing photo-booth frames and social promotion.
- The maker confirms quantities and duration: how many items, which event period and whether use is limited to particular locations.
- The designer checks permitted modifications, including cropping, adding text and adaptation.
- The organizer keeps written permission and its conditions, including credit, approval of the design and limits on reuse.
Likeness rights and other rights relating to people shown in a photograph may need separate confirmation. This article lists questions to resolve before making something; it does not determine that a particular case is authorized or qualifies as fair use.
Finding a way to contact the rights holder
FanSupport provides official links for the subjects it lists and can be a starting point. Finding an official account still does not establish that its operator owns a particular photo. Check the image source and the appropriate permission contact.
Return to the production section of the fan-support culture and event map, or read the banner specifications and birthday-project process. If you only want other fans to see an original announcement, sharing the announcement’s link is an option.
Make your own image at the right size
Make your own photocard. Fan Support is operated by Joe. Edit first; a free id.joelin.cc sign-in is required before downloading a PNG. The tool does not manufacture or ship physical goods. Original photos are processed in your browser; when you sign in and download, the finished design is saved to your member account for 14 days.
Questions before using an image
Is printing just one copy for myself always allowed?
No automatic permission follows from making only one copy. Noncommercial personal or family use may have room for fair use under the relevant conditions. Commissioning a printer and later sharing the result publicly must be assessed separately.
Can credit on the finished item replace permission?
No. Attribution and permission are different. Neither official publication nor a free giveaway automatically authorizes printing or promotion.
Keywords: official photos for fan projects, image permission, free fan goods, image use, fair use.
Sources: Chinese original first published 2023-08-01; revised 2026-10-24. Taiwan-specific services, practices and rules retain their original scope.
This English version is based on original Traditional Chinese content on joelin.cc. The language and explanations are localised for international readers. The Traditional Chinese original is the authoritative version — for its complete meaning, please read the original article.