8:00 AM - 7:00 PM EST

Open Monday - Friday

(800) 979-3707

Call Us For Free Consultation

Facebook

Twitter

Search
 

Blog

Copyright Lawyers Protect Photographers’ Rights

copyright law pic depositphotos 69425553 xl 2015

US Copyright Law Reflects The Beliefs of Our Founding Fathers In the 1700s, the Constitution gave Congress the following authority: To "promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries." As far back as the creation of our country, our founding fathers believed that creators of original work should have the exclusive right to control that work, even if for a limited time. Historians tell us that this provision intended to encourage creativity and innovation by giving creators an opportunity to benefit from...

Continue reading

Photographer Sues Volvo For Copyright Infringement

shutterstock 788458783

Photographer Is Suing Volvo For Willful Copyright Infringement The photography and camera news website PetaPixel.com reported on June 15, 2020, that a professional photographer and his model subject are suing Volvo. In a complaint filed in California on June 9, 2020, automotive photographer Jack Schroeder and model Britni Sumida allege that Volvo committed "willful and wanton" copyright infringement. The complaint also contains claims of misappropriation of a likeness and unfair competition. Photographer Denied Volvo's Request to Use His Pictures For Free Schroeder photographed Sumida in the California desert during the "super bloom." The pictures feature Sumida, leaning on a Volvo...

Continue reading

Celebrity Photographer Lawyers – Photographers Must Beware Aware of Copyright Infringements

shutterstock 564113116

Celebrity Photographers Must Understand Their Rights Under Copyright Law If you are a photographer who makes a living by photographing actors, models, and other celebrities, you must understand your rights. Too often, people are taking advantage of photographers, using their pictures without permission or compensation. US copyright law exists to protect the creative work of artists and other creative professionals, like photographers. The minute you take a picture, it receives copyright protection. This means that using that image requires your permission, should you decide to give it. The terms of that permission are usually contained in a license agreement. License...

Continue reading

How Copyright Lawyers Help Photographer Protect Copyrights

shutterstock 106011071

Our Lawyers Help Photographers Understand The Basics About Licensing Rights Before entering into a licensing agreement, photographers should consult with experienced copyright lawyers. At , our lawyers are dedicated to protecting photographers from copyright infringement. We want to make sure that you get paid what you deserve and that your licensing agreements provide you with terms that reflect your wishes. If a business or individual the terms of a licensing agreement, our copyright lawyers have the resources, experience, and determination to seek accountability and compensation. What Purposes Do Licensing Agreements Serve? For photographers, licensing is often the best way to...

Continue reading

Copyright Lawyers Help Photographers Secure Lucrative Licensing Agreements

shutterstock 493560301

Our Copyright Lawyers Hels Photographers Protect Their Rights With Licensing Agreements As a professional photographer, you understand the importance of granting licenses to others in exchange for appropriate compensation. Licensing agreements ensure that you get paid and maintain control over how, when, and where your photographs get used. Licensing agreements are an essential part of any successful photography business. You should not leave the terms of your licensing agreements to chance. Despite US Copyright Laws, which grant exclusive rights to photographers, there are few ways to control where your photographs end up. With today's technology, it has become easy for...

Continue reading

Copyright Victory Against Local Bank for Photograph Use

shutterstock 1542907136

Indiana Lawyer-Photographer Wins Copyright Infringement Victory Against Bank A copyright lawyer and photographer in Indiana was victorious in his copyright infringement lawsuit against a local business. Richard Bell, according to The Indiana Lawyer, sued "after discovering in late 2017" that Merchants Bank of Indiana "was using a photo he had taken of the nighttime Indianapolis skyline." Indiana Southern District Judge James Patrick Hanlon ruled that the bank infringed on Bell's copyright but that the infringement was not willful. In court documents, Bell established that the photo, used on the bank's website, was registered with the US Copyright Office. He claimed...

Continue reading

Mom’s Copyright Lawyer Tells Congressman To Stop Using Meme

shutterstock 761198749

Mother and Photographer Fumes Over Unlawful Use of Meme You may have seen the original photograph: sitting on the beach is an adorable almost-toddler, fist raised, looking determined and intense, straight at the camera which his mom, Laney Griner, is holding. The image is known as "Success Kid" and became an instant viral sensation. It is a meme used around the internet for a variety of purposes, most of which express appreciation delight in earning a victory, recovering from a tough situation, or determination to succeed. According to a recent New York Times (NYT) article, Griner took the picture described...

Continue reading

Music Copyright Infringement Lawsuit for Willful Infringement

depositphotos 154404384 xl 2015

Using Music Often Requires Permission Most people know that to use someone's music in enumerated ways, whether performing it live for an audience or on television or in the background of a movie, you should always obtain permission. Sometimes, you can use it for free. Other times, the owner will have you purchase a license and pay for using the song. Some licenses are more expensive than others, and some are prohibitively so. Regardless, using someone's music without proper permission or license is copyright infringement. Music Composer Has Sued Ford Company For Copyright Infringement The Detroit News reported on April...

Continue reading

Copyright Questions – What Cannot Be Copyrighted

shutterstock 1532262059

What Can You Copyright? At , our copyright lawyers help creative artists and professionals protect their rights. We represent photographers, musicians, authors, and others to ensure they receive proper compensation for their work. When others utilize their work without appropriate permissions, licenses, or payments, we hold them accountable and do everything we can to protect the legal rights of our clients. Understanding your legal rights can help protect and enforce them. The US Copyright Office provides the public with a long list of frequently asked questions and their answers. While every copyright case is unique and might hinge on specific...

Continue reading

Photographer Sues Facebook for Copyright Infringement

shutterstock 1082242871

Photographer Sued Facebook For Violating Copyright Lawstreet media has reported that photographer Christopher Boffoli filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Facebook. The complaint was filed in Washington Western District Court on February 14, 2020, and names Facebook as the only defendant. According to his complaint, Boffoli is a professional photographer and the creator of "Big Appetites." Big Appetites is "a series of photographs featuring tiny figures photographed against real food backdrops." His complaint alleges the pictures are registered in the US Copyright Office and have been featured in various publications. Boffoli claims that his work has been in domestic and...

Continue reading