RE: copyright question

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You don't have to register an image to have copyright... It is a "given"
when the image is created. That being said, you will typically have more
"teeth" legally if you register copyright your images. Typically, copyright
extends to the life of the creator (and in this case...) 50 years before it
falls into the public domain. Now, it's 80 years, if I remember correctly
(Specifically, the Bono Bill, introduced by Sonny Bono shortly before his
death and passed afterward). So, my guess is that if the image was made in
the 1940's, you should be OK. To ensure that's bulletproof, check with a
lawyer who practices copyright law.

Good luck with your project!

Mark Lent

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:owner-photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of James Schenken
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 10:58 PM
To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students
Subject: RE: copyright question

Mark:
Disclaimer - I'm not a copyright expert but have some information.  Mileage
may vary - End of disclaimer

In your case, it is unlikely that the photo in question was ever registered
for copyright.  That's an expense that most family portrait photographers
never did and don't do now.
The reason that that is important is that registration brings on statutory
damages for infringement.  And they can be substantial.
If it was never registered, then the damages must be actual, provable
damages.  In this case, since all of the principles are dead, proving actual
damages will be quite difficult.  
So, it's a gamble to proceed but not a really big one.
Here is a reference to a nonprofessional's understanding of when things get
into the public domain at a site from Cornell University.
http://copyright.cornell.edu/resources/publicdomain.cfm
Hope that helps.
James

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:owner-photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
mark@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 11:42 PM
To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students
Subject: copyright question


Well I have the typical problem.  I have an old family photo that I
would like to use on a book cover.  Trouble is that it was a
professionally done photo.  There is no one left alive that knows who
took it.  It was probably taken in the 1940s to very early in the 50s,
so it think it may already be public domain.  Then again it may not be. 
The people in the photo passed away in their 70s 25 years ago so the
odds are no one would ever say anything, but then again.

I don't remember how long it takes to have a photo fall into public
domain, and if it isn't is there a current procedure that would allow
its use?  It's not like I have tons of choices, but there may be some. 
This one just seems to be the only known photo of the people during
their youth.  All others show them much later in life.

Any copyright experts?  Thanks in advance.  

Mark



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