copyright

[Jared Farrer]

I was not sure where to put this thread. But i was wondering how I would go about copyrighting my images? And where could I get one of the copyright logos to use, e.g. (c)

 

[Ryan McGinnis]

I was not sure where to put this thread. But i was wondering how I would go about copyrighting my images? And where could I get one of the copyright logos to use, e.g. (c)

Hi Jared! Your images are technically copyrighted the moment you create them. However, if you ever find yourself needing to litigate against someone for using your photos without permission, you'll find you'll get a lot more traction if you "register" your images with the United States Copyright office (www.copyright.gov, I think). The procedure for doing this is fairly straightforward, and requires that you fill out a form, send them a CD full of your images (or send them prints), and send them $45. They send you a piece of paper about 6 months later that you can waive in the face of an infringer. Whether or not you have the piece of paper is the difference between you collecting potentially tens of thousands of dollars plus attorney costs, or you collecting a few hundred bucks, if anything at all.

 

[Michael P. Morris]

Kind of ambiguous as to what you mean as far as "go about copyrighting" as the Supreme Court has ruled that whoever pushes the shutter on the camera is the rightful owner of the copyright (unless you license your pictures or renounce sole copyright like many wedding and portrait photographers do) so you don't have to do anything to secure the copyright in that sense.

You can easily embed your copyright into the image by using Photoshop/Paintshop/MS Paint. Each has a text tool that allows you to type directly on the image and put whatever you would like. If you use Photoshop or PSP it is easy to create an action that inserts the copyright into your image with the click of a button, so you can apply it to all your images quickly. The little copyright symbol can be created by either hitting Ctrl-Alt-C on a PC, Alt-0169 on a PC (using the numeric keypad, not the numbers at the top of the keyboard) or Option-G on a Mac. You can also copy and paste it from the Character Map program as well.

Edit: What Ryan says will probably be a good idea too, especially if you plan to post images on a public website like ST.

 

[Paul Stofer]

The cheapest way, that is legal and will work in a lawsuit if need be. Place all of your images, text, website, etc on a CD. Place your CD in a padded envelope and send it to yourself through USPS, and USPS only via certified mail. When you recieve your certified envelope back, DO NOT open it. Leave it sealed and place it somewhere safe. If the time arises, and you need proof it is your copyrighted material, the court will honor your sealed certified envelope because it has passed through the federal government postal service. The only issue is, as more images are taken and you need to add to your "bank" of materials, you will need to send a new certified letter to yourself with the new material...

Paul

 

[David Drummond]

The cheapest way, that is legal and will work in a lawsuit if need be. Place all of your images, text, website, etc on a CD. Place your CD in a padded envelope and send it to yourself through USPS, and USPS only via certified mail. When you recieve your certified envelope back, DO NOT open it. Leave it sealed and place it somewhere safe. If the time arises, and you need proof it is your copyrighted material, the court will honor your sealed certified envelope because it has passed through the federal government postal service. The only issue is, as more images are taken and you need to add to your "bank" of materials, you will need to send a new certified letter to yourself with the new material...

Paul

I’ve heard about a “poor man’s copyright.” What is it?
The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a “poor man’s copyright.” There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration.

http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html#poorman

Do I have to register with your office to be protected?
No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration.”

 

[David Drummond]

Jared, people are gonna steal your stuff and post it all over no matter what kind of copyright you put on it. Copyright is becoming a joke these days unless your a huge corporation or just have the large amount of funds to go after someone. Most people that steal stuff don't have anything really to get in a lawsuit anyway. You really only gain anything be going after commercial interests that steal your stuff. Usually their attorneys will just tell them to settle for what you want (if it's reasonable) rather than spend the $$ to try and defend themselves.

Best thing, if your gonna put something up, go ahead and put your name and (c) on it if you want, but put your website URL on it.

At least that way when they are posting it around all over the place it will get you some free advertising for your website.