User blog comment:Dimensionshark/Cover Art Copyright/@comment-28171460-20180722052701

I am not a legal expert. My advice should be taken as opinion.

Wikia allows images that abide by fair use laws, and fair use isn't really definite. There are numerous factors:


 * the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright.


 * In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include—the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;


 * the nature of the copyrighted work; the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.


 * Source: 17 USC Section 107.

The most important part there (for us) is (1) the bit about teaching, (2) whether or not you're profiting, and (3) the impact on the market.


 * Images help users identify what books you're talking about. So it's teaching.
 * You're not profiting. I guess Wikia is, so that might muddy things.
 * High-quality images probably won't hurt sales.

Wikia is usually lenient with you uploading whatever. If the copyright holder gets upset, they'll tell Wikia to take it down.