Originally posted by NikonJeb:
*snipped for brevity*
I don't know how many of you have ever had to deal with something like this in court, or anything involving something injurious to your life/livlihood, but if the case in question isn't for a sh*tpot of money, the nuisance and expenses are so great it just isn't worth it.
A million dollar songwriter? Yeah.....that's worth it. Someone steals your Andrew Wyeth that you had in the house and duly documented, yeah......but a shot from DPC, Flickr, or DeviantArt????
It's just not worth it.
I'm not condoning it, but the simple truth is......if you don't want anyone to have a shot you really like, you cannot put it up on one of these sites without risking it.
It's just not a big enough issue that there is likely to be preventative measures developed, and kicking someone off a site after the fact is the old close-the-barn-door-after-the-horse-is-gone thing.
It sucks, but that's pretty much the way it is. |
Gonna have to disagree with this - not picking on you Jeb, just using your post as reference, because a lot of people feel that way. ;)
It is a big issue actually. Each time that copyrights are not upheld and fought for, no matter how small the payout is, is another copyright right that has been taken. Meaning, if we, as photographers, want to keep our copyrights, then we need to fight for them. The more that people say it isn't worth it, for whatever reason, then that gives those that are trying to do away with copyrights another boost.
Send out the message that you value your work and you won't tolerate stealing, no matter how large or small.
Just remember - that your copyright must first be registered with the Copyright Office, before, you file suit. Your copyrights are created when you click the shutter (unless you have already given away your copyrights to image, i.e., work-for-hire, etc.), but to enforce them, you must register.
If you want more info:
a) Get this book - Photographer's Legal Guide by Carolyn Wright
b) Take Carolyn's great advice - Get Professional Help.
*I am NOT Carolyn, nor am I affiliated with her office. I am just someone who admires her work, both photographically and legally.) |
