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Thoughts on Photo Imaging via AI

By
Real Estate Technology with http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com

In a weekly Zoom call, the group discussed photo imaging.   Many concepts were discussed and two issues stood out:  who owns the image and editing the photo from a legal viewpoint.

In terms of who owns the image, this gets very complicated.  The law is in flux but there is a bit of guidance. It is a conondrum ...on one hand, the creator was the creative force behind the image. One the other hand, AI "created" it.

On this issue, it is safe to ASSUME that AI is the owner.  It is safe. We are all professionals and we are held to a higher standard.

My suggestion is to put yoru own "watermark" such as "created with the use of AI". This will go a long wy to prtoect on these issues as well as others that I will discuss in the next post.

In regard to editing a photo utilizing AI, this is acceptable but remember, we are professionals and we must always comply with prudent conduct. A certain amount of editing is acceptable but there are limits that I will discuss in the next post.

 

 

 

Posted by

Paddy Deighan JD PhD

Comments(9)

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Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Retired Real Estate Broker

There were several questions on the call regarding ownership of images and until there is better definition, your suggestion of watermark makes a lot of sense, Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD 

Dec 05, 2025 05:21 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Sand 'n Sea Properties - Galveston, TX
Galveston, TX 936-203-0279

Paddy, good suggestions for sure. I remember the early days here in the Rain where many were getting dinged for snagging photos from Google.

Dec 05, 2025 06:00 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Paddy- I was thinking about ownership during our Zoom call. The idea may have come from us via our prompts but AI "created" it. It's a bit like someone who says to a songwriter..write a song about a Yellow Submarine.   So who are the creators?? Lennon and McCartney

Dec 05, 2025 06:07 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I have heard of some pretty heated disputes when it comes to copyright laws being infringed upon, and it is scary.

Dec 06, 2025 05:16 AM
Kat Palmiotti
Kalispell, MT
Retired from real estate; active in life!

That is good advice. Ownership is definitely important.

Dec 06, 2025 05:18 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Dec 06, 2025 06:40 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Paddy. This is excellent advice. So many things changing so quickly in our world. Maybe you can provide an example of an appropriate watermark?

Dec 07, 2025 05:44 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Insightful points on ownership and editing, Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD, shared with clarity that makes a complex topic feel approachable 🙂. Thanks for offering practical guidance that sparks thought while keeping the conversation grounded in professionalism.

Dec 07, 2025 12:45 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Apex Realtors, LLC ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
Educating. Encouraging. Serving.

Good morning Paddy,

ownership is definitely in flux right now. We are having photographers suing agents for using the photos they purchased from the photographer for other things besides the MLS. Such as your brochures, social media etc.  

Dec 07, 2025 12:52 PM