Copyright Laws on Photographs
U.S. copyright laws dictate how certain works, including photographs, can be used by people who didn't create them. The laws protect creators' rights to publish and sell their photos and prohibit people from stealing their works.
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Granting copyrights
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A copyright is granted when a photo is taken, whether or not the photographer registers the photo with the Copyright Office. However, if someone infringes on your copyright, you can only collect damages if your work is registered.
Term of copyright
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A copyright lasts until 70 years after the death of the photographer. If the photo is a work for hire, the copyright is granted for 120 years after the photo is taken or for 95 years after it is published, whichever comes first.
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Collections of photos
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A photographer may register a single copyright for a collection of photos.
Registering a copyright online
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A photographer (or assignee) navigates to the eCO section of the Copyright Office's website and fills out Form CO. She submits the form with a $35 payment and a copy of the file in one of the following digital formats: .bmp, .dwg, .dwf, .fdr, .gif, .giff, .jpg, .jpeg, .jfif, .pdf, .pic, .png, .psd, .pub, .tga, .tif, .tiff or .wmf.
She may submit a collection of photos as a compressed .cab or .zip file.
Registering a copyright by mail
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The photographer or assignee files Form PA or replacement Form CO along with the appropriate fee ($45 for either form; on August 1, 2009, the fee for Form PA goes to $65, while the Form CO fee becomes $50) and two copies of the collection to:
Library of Congress
Copyright Office
101 Independence Avenue, SE
Washington, D.C. 20559-6000.
Licensing photos
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A copyright holder may license the photo for any use, exclusive or not, with or without charging a fee. He may also grant a Creative Commons license, which surrenders some rights while outlining how a copyright may be used.
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References
- Photo Credit John Kratz / Creative Commons
