About copyright.

By jess written 9/12/06 2:39 AM, published 9/12/06 2:39 AM
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I've started to sell some of my images. However, how would I go about registering a copyright of the prints I publish? Tried to search the net, but very unclear info,( or I'm not clear on what I'm looking for.....) Maybe I don't even need it?
How to register is probably different from Scandinavia to the US- although copyright is still copyright in any country.

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  • BTW, how come this post ended up on the Front page, when I posted it under "question and answer"? Sorry, that was not my intention.
    jess
    Sep 12, 2006 @ 2:43:25 AM
    jess "north is that way"

  • Jess, can't help about the copyright, and as for being on the front page, you did it right, there just must be a flaw in the program because this has happened before...... Congrats on selling some of your images.
    BusyB1965 subscriber
    Sep 12, 2006 @ 2:56:34 AM
    BusyB1965 Blessings

  • Thank you BusyB:)
    jess
    Sep 12, 2006 @ 4:05:34 AM
    jess "north is that way"

  • I don't know anything about it, either, but I think it's great that you're selling some of your work!
    KayN
    Sep 12, 2006 @ 4:39:58 AM
    KayN Ms.N

  • I'll join the No Clue Club. Congrats!
    JustPeachy
    Sep 12, 2006 @ 4:45:27 AM
    JustPeachy Good Kitty No More

  • This is the site for copyrights, ttp://www.copyright.gov/ It' s easy, just follow instructions. If you need help PM me
    Mike H
    Sep 12, 2006 @ 5:09:59 AM
     

  • I would start off by watermarking them with your copyright. If you have PS you can inbed it so to speak under file info then create a stamp and put your signature on the photo itself.
    lilbit
    Sep 12, 2006 @ 5:10:29 AM
    lilbit

  • I forgot to mention there is another way. Put a CD (with your images), or photos in an envelope, and mail it back to YOURSELF. This is how artists did it in the past. The process through Washington can take up to 9 months. So while this process is going on, you have proof that from the postmark date these images are yours. DO NOT OPEN THE ENVALOPE
    Mike H
    Sep 12, 2006 @ 5:28:32 AM
     

  • Lilbit and Mike thank you very much, for info and help. xxx
    jess
    Sep 12, 2006 @ 11:29:41 AM
    jess "north is that way"

  • Your work is already copyrighted, when you create it. You have the option of making it official. I agree with lilbit, you should use a watermark. If you have the originals you can prove it is your work, should you ever have to. Hope this helps!
    cmarie subscriber
    Sep 12, 2006 @ 1:18:28 PM
    cmarie

  • Thank You all for input and tips :)
    jess
    Sep 12, 2006 @ 1:37:05 PM
    jess "north is that way"

  • The way I understand it, Jess, as soon as the photo is in tangible form, i.e. you save it to your memory card or film, it's protected by law. The problem is unless you actually register it with the gov you are only entitled to actual damages suffered if you sue for violation. So, unless you're making a ton of money from the photo you'll probably pay more to lawyers than you'll get back but if you're registered you may be entitled to statutory damages which can be a lot more money. It's something you want to look into to see if it's worthwhile for your situation.
    loweho
    Sep 13, 2006 @ 9:43:59 AM
    loweho Fickle Finger of F8

  • Yeah, Ioweho, I've been reading up on this since I posted and all the Feed. I'm guesing I might not need it ....for now. thanks though.
    jess
    Sep 13, 2006 @ 1:55:04 PM
    jess "north is that way"

  • there is also a way to tag your exif info with your name and creation date. that way you can also prove it was created by you.
    evilsqueendee
    Sep 20, 2006 @ 12:08:33 PM
    evilsqueendee peek-a-boo! i see you.

  • I have formally copyrighted some of my photos and was actually surprised as to how easy the process can be. One important thing to keep in mind is that as soon as you create the image, it is considered copyrighted. Formally, going through the government process, in effect, makes the difference between, say, a verbal agreement and a written contract. You can download the required forms and instructions from the Library of Congress web sight. The cost is only $30. Understand that you need to complete an application and pay $30 for EACH document you copyright, so if you have 10 individual photos, you would have to fill out 10 separate applications and pay $300. The way around this is simple: create a compilation of photos. I think you can now compile something like 300 photos in a single package. You might call it "My Photos by Jess" . Now you simply copyright the compilation: one application and one fee, yet everything in that compilation carries the same formal copyright. It takes 6-9 months to get the official documentation back from the Library of Congress, but the official copyright begins on the date received by the LOC. If you have further questions, feel free to contact me direct.
    JackInTX
    Oct 20, 2006 @ 11:55:40 AM
    JackInTX

  • submit your photos to editors or create web galleries complete with your watermark, copyright information and invoice information. http://www.proshooters.com/ As far as Front page, I hit every link on the right, and it's all the same entries displayed. I don't get it either. I like how it's done on Delphi Site. No matter where you leave a message, you never have to hunt for it to see if anyone responded to it. You then are notified in your email that someone did. About as streamlined as it gets. Even though I just did the year member deal - I hope reinventing the wheel is just a matter of using what's already working.
    Philscbx
    Oct 21, 2006 @ 10:26:32 PM
    Philscbx  Perfection First

  • I register all my photos electronically and as many as i can at one time, the fee is $35 http://www.copyright.gov/eco/beta-announce.html
    Lori Smaltz subscriber
    Apr 17, 2008 @ 7:14:39 PM
    Lori Smaltz

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