Copyright Reform

[AcadieLibre]

I read this and almost agree with it. I think they need to reform photography copyright laws in Canada but not as part of the C-61 legislation. I am completely against bill C-61 so anything that is attached to it should die along with it. It should be a bill on its own and no reason it is tied into this atrocious legislation. That being said though, just make sure you retain all rights by contract until it is resolved.


http://www.harrynowell.com/blog/2008...yright-reform/

[Marko]

Thanks for sharing that A.L. - It is a VERY important issue and I'm glad the new legislation is in progress.

Here is some of the actual text in that link for others to see easily:
Thx
Marko

Now down to business - here in Canada our copyright laws related to photography are well out of sync compared to most of the rest of the developed world.
You see, by default in Canada, a customer automatically receives copyright of your commissioned photo work once they provide payment. Unless it is specifically written otherwise you lose control over your work once the customer pays. As a photographer, copyright is the most valuable asset we have.
In most of the rest of the developed world the photographer, by default, retains their copyright unless otherwise stated.
It’s a small but important distinction. Currently if someone hires you to take a photo you have NO rights to those pictures once they pay unless it is clearly agreed you, the creator, retain copyright of the work. This means:

• you CANNOT show any family portraits you took in your portfolio (online or paper) without permission.
• you CANNOT re-license imagery (ie earn money) from a magazine assignment down the road - all your work is pinned to that one small sale.
• you have no rights to your commissioned creative produce.

“So?! The photos belong to the client - they paid for them? Right?” Other creative producers in the world - musicians, writers, illustrators - retain their copyright by default. Without copyright there is little incentive to remain in business. Without incentive there will be fewer talented photographers and less available working photographers.