Re: copyright on images

[Don Roberts <droberts@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Peter Marshall wrote:

> > When my web site was developed I was informed by the webmaster that the
> > copyright 'c'  on my images was not necessary, as they were low res and
> > nothing could be done with them. Contrary to this statement, one of my
> > images was moved to Amazon.com & Ebay.com auction sites and used in
> > such a manner as to imply that the image was taken with a Horizon 202
> > 35mm. My image was shot with a Roundshot 70mm. My site is currently
> > undergoing a major overhaul and will have copyright on all images. Fred
> > Yake
> >
>
> Your image is copyright whether or not you indicate it as such, and you
> should claim normal usage fees from both Amazon and Ebay. Send a normal
> invoice to both of them stating their exact use. I'd include a covering
> letter making it clear that their use was unauthorised and that you will
> agree not to sue them if they pay without delay.
>
> If you had registered your copyright in the images you would be able to
> claim more in the US, though I don't think it has any effect elsewhere in
> the world.

The problem, of course, with these auction sites is that the image was more
than likely pirated by an individual for use in his auction and not by the
corporate entities themselves.  These auction services will disavow any
knowledge or complicity in this theft.  You will have to go after the
individual placing  the ads and using your image.  The prospects for any
remuneration are fairly dim I believe.  You might scare him into never doing

it again.
--
--
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   Don Roberts * Bittersweet Productions * Iowa City, IA
                   *                                         *
   History is the today of another age...peopled by the you
   and I of another time...living lives not unlike ours on
   another level of eternity's spiral. -- Lewis C. Debo
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