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©
Q. Copyright; what
does it mean?
A. Simply put, the symbol asserts a right of ownership given
to the author of a work. It is usually followed by the year
of creation and the copyright owner's name.
Q. If it is on the internet, isn't it "public domain?"
A. No. It is owned by the author of the work, whether or not
the work is accompanied by a © symbol. To be in the public
domain, a photograph must be 75 years past the death
of the author.
Q. The photo was not accompanied by the © symbol. Isn't it
fair game?
A. No, it is not "fair game." If you are not the author of
the photograph it isn't yours; nor is it yours to print,
give away for Holiday presents, use for a calendar design,
put on your website, or decorate a toaster cozy.
Q. I bought a copy. Isn't it mine to copy now?
A. No. The recording industry made that very clear when they
sued Napster and a few grandmothers for copying and
downloading songs. It is the same group of laws which
protects photographers. The only difference is that
photographers whose work is valuable are usually mom and pop
operations, not giant conglomerations like the record
industry, which can hire conglomerate law firms.
Q. But I am only copying it and printing it for my personal
use.
A. That is what small-town photographers do. They create
beautiful images for personal use. You have to pay. That
vehicle is for your personal use, but you paid for that
didn't you?
Q. But I love the photo. Can't I get a copy.
A. Call 508-435-5534 for a copy of any photo on HopNews, and
please do it in a timely fashion.
All content on this website, unless otherwise noted, is ©
2012 Hopkinton Online Press, The Hopkinton News, and
HopNews.com. All Rights Reserved.
To learn more about copyright laws, visit
http://www.nolo.com/ or
http://www.copyright.gov/
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