Copyright Law For Photographers + Contract Template

As a photographer, it’s important to understand how copyright law applies to your work. This article will help you do just that, plus we’ll also provide a contract template you can use with your clients to ensure you protect your copyrighted material.

What Is Copyright Law and How Does It Protect Photographers?

Copyright law is a set of rules that govern the rights of creators to control how their work is used and distributed. In the United States, copyright law is codified in Title 17 of the U.S. Code. Copyright law gives photographers a number of exclusive rights over their works, including the right to reproduce them, distribute them, perform them in public, and create derivative works based on them.

How Do I Include Copyright Information in My Photography Contract With Clients?

If you’re a professional photographer, it’s important to include copyright information in your photography contract with clients. This will help ensure that your clients understand that they don’t own the copyright to your photos and that they can only use the photos in the ways that you’ve agreed to. You can find a photography contract template that includes copyright information here:

Can I Use a Copyright Symbol on My Photographs or Other Works to Protect Them From Being Copied or Used Without Permission?

You don’t need to use a copyright symbol on your photographs or other works in order to copyright them. In fact, using a copyright symbol can actually hurt your chances of winning a copyright infringement lawsuit because it may be seen as an admission that you were aware of the infringing use and did nothing to stop it.

Are There Any Circumstances Where Someone Can Use My Copyrighted Material Without My Permission?

There are a few circumstances where someone can use your copyrighted material without your permission. These include uses that are considered “fair use,” such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. Additionally, if your work is used in an advertising or promotional campaign, you may not be able to stop the use of your photos even if you don’t approve of it.

What Are the Penalties for Infringing on Someone’s Copyright?

The penalties for infringing on someone’s copyright can be severe. If you’re found guilty of willful copyright infringement, you could be fined up to $150,000 and sentenced to up to five years in prison. Additionally, if you’re found guilty of infringing on a copyrighted work that has been registered with the U.S. Copyright Office, you could be liable for statutory damages of up to $30,000 per work.

How Can I Get Help If I Think My Copyright Has Been Infringed?

If you think your copyright has been infringed, you can contact a lawyer who specializes in copyright law. You can also file a complaint with the U.S. Copyright Office. You can view the website here: www.copyright.gov

Contract Template for Photographers

This contract template is designed to help photographers protect their copyrighted material. It can be used as a standalone contract or as an addendum to an existing contract.

This agreement governs the use of the copyrighted material created by the photographer (“Work”). The copyright holder hereby grants the client a nonexclusive, revocable license to use the Work in the following ways:
For personal, non-commercial use only.
In connection with the promotion of a product or service, provided that such promotion does not disparage the copyright holder or the Work.
In connection with the criticism or commentary of the Work, provided that such criticism or commentary is fair and constructive.
In connection with news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research, provided that such use is limited to a brief excerpt of the Work and that such use does not disparage the copyright holder or the Work.
The client may not reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, create derivative works from, or otherwise use the Work without the prior written consent of the copyright holder.
The client agrees to credit the copyright holder whenever the Work is used in accordance with this agreement.
This license shall remain in effect until terminated by either party upon written notice.
This agreement is binding upon the parties, their successors, and assigns.
This agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter, and it supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings between the parties.
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of _____________ without regard to its principles of conflicts of law.

Signature of Copyright Holder Signature of Client

Date: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________

Conclusion

Copyright law is a complex and nuanced area of the law of which photographers should be aware. In order to protect your copyrighted material, it’s important for you to include copyright information in your contracts with clients. There are a few circumstances where someone can use your copyrighted material without your permission, but the penalties for infringing on someone’s copyright can be severe. If you think your copyright has been infringed, you can contact a lawyer or file a complaint with the U.S. Copyright Office.