Re: Photographic copyright
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Posted by M. Arthur Auslander on December 30, 1999 at 04:36:09:
In Reply to: Photographic copyright posted by nicole on December 29, 1999 at 13:56:35:
: Could you tell me what the restrictions are for copying a professionally taken photograph? I work for a copy shop and we do not copy professional photographs, but the customers sometimes do not understand why. Is there any documents I can show them? : Also is there a time limit from when we can copy them. If it is a photograph from the 50's or 60's? : Any information would be helpful. : Thanks : Nicole The copyright law is very complex with many nuances that may not appear on the surface. The law is probably available on the Copyright Page of this Forum. It is 17 U.S.C. Copyrights have recently been extended to life plus 70 years. The photographer has a right in the picture created. The copyright must be registered to be enforced. Registration, as I remember must be with 100 years. It is my understanding of the law that you as a copier are liable for an act of illegal copying. Catching you may be a problem. Once caught with everything in place it can be legally and financially painful. My understanding is that the VCR download from the TV screen is an infringement. Policing that is impossible unless the download is reproduced and distributed. I don't want to spend the time to look up the safety date for copying. I think it is about 1909 ir before. It is very complex and when there is enforceable trouble it is painful with possible statutory penalties and even counsel fees. The courts are very partial to the copyright. M. Arthur Auslander E arly L egal A dvice I s N ot E xpensive ELAINE's Workshop (sm): Auslander & Thomas-Intellectual Property Law Since 1909 505 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018 212-594-6900, fax 212-244-0028, aus@auslander.com
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