 Eric S. Lee |
Copywriting Your works Hi folks, I'm new to the world of photography and I need some help. I want to copywrite some of my photographs. What is the general process? I realize that I need a signed release from the subject if there is a subject but how does the copywrite process work?
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Jeff S. Kennedy |
Your images are automatically copyrighted the moment you create them. Unless they are highly unusual and valuable that should be all you need. In rare cases you can register the specific copyright. I think you have to fill out some paperwork and pay $15 or something. But I've never done it because as I said the images are automatically copyrighted the moment you create them.
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Tom Darmody |
Jeff- I respectfully dissagree with your statement: "Unless they are highly unusual and valuable that should be all you need. " If your considering any commercial use for your photographs, or publication (especially on the web) they should be registered with the Library of Congress. While it is true that your photographs are automaticly copyrighted when they are created, having the photo's registered save you alot of time a grief. Having your photographs registered makes it a very easy to prove that you own the rights to the image when a copyright violation occurs. Registration also effects tha amount of damages you can collect for violations. I have had several occasions where my photographs were used without my permission (on the web and in print). When I discover a copyright violation I send a letter to the web site owner that states that photograph used on such and such page is copyrighted by me, and that displaying this image constitutes a copyright violation. The image must be removed immeadiatley upon recipt of this notification. Removing the image does not preclude any legal/civil action that I may be entitled to. I include a copy of the image, a copy of the registration, and send everything registerd mail. Here's the link to information you need: http://www.copyright.gov/ Registration is pretty easy, and you can register groups of related work for the a 1 photo fee ($30).
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Jeff S. Kennedy |
Whether you register it or not you can still take recourse and send a letter to the violator. I still think that unless the image is somehow extraordinary that it isn't worth the time, effort, and investment of $30 to register the copyright. It's overkill IMHO.
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Tom Darmody |
The TYPE of recourse you can take differs GREATLY from a unregistered compared to registered photograph.
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Eric S. Lee |
Thanks Tom and Jeff for your responses. Both were helpful and I appreciate the fast response.
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