Watermarks have the power to deter piracy because it would be impossible to use any image or document to create counterfeit copies without also having an identifying mark on the image. Watermarking images, however, can cause controversy because of some of them are often used by those who do not own the copyright. If you are considering doing a watermark, whether for marketing or as a statement of ownership, you can try using something like this: C.A.D. — Corgis A watermarking project that's especially handy for those who do not own copyright in the image, can also be a powerful message of message. As with a watermark, you can try using this text, but you also could go the extra mile and do this watermark as well: “Fondly, W.R.,” “This watermark will be removed on Wednesday, April 14, 2012.” “Fondly, “W.R.” “This watermark will be removed on Wednesday, April 14, 2012.” In some states, like California (and, consequently, the United Kingdom), watermarks are not only legal, they are also required. So, don't forget that in other parts of the world, such as the United States, you can be committing copyright theft (as opposed to theft of a digital file) if you watermark any of the following images: An official photograph. A still image from a commercial or documentary film. A still image from a video or video game. A still image from a news report. A still image from a documentary. A still image of a business or product. A still image from an advertisement, as these usually bear the copyright and trademark “” logo. A still image that contains a trademark or trade name (as in the case of the following example): “Vizio” “B&O” “A” “A” The above images represent legal, common, and effective ways of watermarking a commercial work (for reasons of protecting a common trademark). If your work in the creative arts involves only a still image of an individual, you just need to use something like: “Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved. “Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved.