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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Copyrighting
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04/25/2010 06:23:53 PM · #1
What is a good, cheap and dependable copyrighting company to use for my photos?
04/25/2010 09:17:12 PM · #2
Registering your copyrights is something you can do easily yourself. If you don't want to be bothered filling out one form and writing a check, then I'd recommend looking for an attorney who deals in IP law.

Check out this thread on Registering Your Copyright -- Why Should You for much useful information.

The most effective/economical way is to register an entire "collection" at one time -- just be sure to have some way to reference each individual photo.

In the US, complete documentation, forms, and instructions are available from the U.S. Copyright Office.

An additional resource for DIY legal work is Nolo Press publishers of self-help legal information for over 30 years.
04/25/2010 10:23:52 PM · #3
So if I post a pic on here and don't fill out all that paperwork it is ok for anyone to use it?

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Registering your copyrights is something you can do easily yourself. If you don't want to be bothered filling out one form and writing a check, then I'd recommend looking for an attorney who deals in IP law.

Check out this thread on Registering Your Copyright -- Why Should You for much useful information.

The most effective/economical way is to register an entire "collection" at one time -- just be sure to have some way to reference each individual photo.

In the US, complete documentation, forms, and instructions are available from the U.S. Copyright Office.

An additional resource for DIY legal work is Nolo Press publishers of self-help legal information for over 30 years.
04/25/2010 10:38:34 PM · #4
Originally posted by kenskid:

So if I post a pic on here and don't fill out all that paperwork it is ok for anyone to use it?

No, it's not "OK," but not registering limits the damages you can collect, and can make it harder to win your case. Your copyright exists from the moment of creation, but enforcing that copyright can be expensive -- having a valid registration almost ensures a winning case, which would make it more likely an attorney would take your case on a contingency-fee basis.
04/25/2010 10:42:31 PM · #5
Originally posted by kenskid:

So if I post a pic on here and don't fill out all that paperwork it is ok for anyone to use it?


Technically, a piece of art (photo, painting, song, etc.) is subject to copyright laws at the moment it was captured / created. The legal formality is to prove that you wrote / painted / photographed it. And NO it is not ok for anyone to use it. It is still illegal for anyone else to use it without your permission, but again it comes down to proving the work is yours.

When I was a pro musician years ago I recorded new songs on tape and mailed it to myself via certified mail. Never opened and stored away, it served as a time capsule (as verified by the USPS) of what and when I wrote the works. If you are worried about your works being used, you can submit a disc with hundreds of photos for copyright simultaneously for one price. (Oh, a minute late!)

Message edited by author 2010-04-25 22:44:12.
04/25/2010 11:08:27 PM · #6
Originally posted by fldave:



When I was a pro musician years ago I recorded new songs on tape and mailed it to myself via certified mail. Never opened and stored away, it served as a time capsule (as verified by the USPS) of what and when I wrote the works.


That's not a valid approach anymore.
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