[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: photographs and copyright



Would suggest going through channels and contacting an attorney well versed in copyright law/use to get his/her opinion on the situation.  Would also suggest that the "form" currently being used be revised to indicate not only copyright but ownership of the photographs, and instead of making a copy of the negative, KEEP IT.  Let the donor come to you for a copy of the photograph on the negative.  Will let you keep greater control over the use of the photograph.
 
Tina Bernath
Archive Assistant
Troy State University Dothan
Dothan, Alabama 36303
tbernath@tsud.edu
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2001 1:01 PM
Subject: photographs and copyright

I need your advice!!
 
We are a library with a local history collection, which includes app. 2,000 images. What has been customary when someone brings in a photograph, is to make a copy negative and leave the original with the owner. The standard form that has been used in the past, gives the library, so far as it is known, copyright.
 
A local newspaper was contacted by an out-of-town company to publish a pictorial "history" of the county, which they are in the process of doing. Numerous articles and ads have asked the residents to bring in their old photos. The book is not out yet, but they are using some of the photos in their recent ads, and they are photos we have in our collection, and the copyright form was signed. The newspaper also had them sign copyright over to the newspaper.
 
Any suggestions or advice???? I have seen the form