Hi jwilliams and welcome to WebmasterWorld [webmasterworld.com]

Am I allowed to go to that companies website, download and use their image in my post?

Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.

Since you are going to their website to copy their image, it usually is an extra minute or two to ensure that they are good with that usage. Often their policies spell it out clearly enough so you will know for sure whether you can go ahead or need to have permission. Since using copyrighted images on your site when they do not allow that can have adverse effects on your site, you might prefer to take the extra minute or two before moving ahead with image use.

You do not need to reach out to every company and wait for a response. Checking their policies can give you the answer right away. If they do not want their images used, or if they have restrictions on the use of their images, they will have that information on the same site where the image is found.

There is a fair use for "scholarly report or review" that is allowed under copyright law, but that is confined by intended use. Example: you can review a book and use an image of the cover, but you cannot use any of the actual PAGES in the book.

As not2easy suggests, take a look to see if there is a prohibition on use of images.

In most cases, when reporting on a product/item a photo/image of same FOR SCHOLARLY REPORT OR REVIEW is generally allowed. Just don't hotlink it!

They may also have a press-kit, with material reusable for this purpose.

Thanks for the responses, that makes sense. That is exactly what it is for tangor: Product review / informative article on the release of said product. I have reached out to the company, just to be sure. I typically do search for some type of "press release" or "press kit", but haven't even been able to find a terms of service or use for this company.

@jwilliams ... Welcome to Webmasterworld!

Meanwhile, you can do your own photography of said product and avoid any "image copyright" as you will then be the copyright holder. That assumes you have the product to review!

Meanwhile, you can do your own photography of said product and avoid any "image copyright" as you will then be the copyright holder.

NOT So Easy as the packaging itself may be subject to copyright, as may be elements of the product's design and manufacture . . plus elements of the product design may be subject to trademark.

You may wish to read the packaging for claims of copyright as well as visiting the product manufacturer's site to determine if there are any restrictions.

This may be a bit of overkill . . . but - IF you are intending to profit in some way "the use" becomes less scholarly and more "for profit" (so forget "fair use") OR if you are potentially setting up competition (by comparing said product to other products . . in which case the product manufacturer may have motive to act against you) OR if your "scholarly" review is more about selling ad space OR if your "review" is less than flattering AND there are legitimate claims that can be asserted against you based on unauthorized use - well . . . . welcome to the WildWildWeb, a/k/a WWW.

Oh, and did I mention the need to make full and fair disclosures of any affiliate relationships?

There's a lot to learn or know before acting IF you intend to avoid getting snared, sued, shut down, etc. IF you plan to invest considerable time and effort THEN asap consult with a lawyer and an insurance agent.

One is allowed to document (photograph) products/items they own. They are also allowed to share those images for various purposes, including proof for insurance, etc.

OP was correct in query regarding use of MFG image (ala copyright) ... one should ask.