I am happy to declare November 2011 as the first annual IMAGE REGISTRATION MONTH! Click “Open Post” below for more!
I am happy to declare November 2011 as the first annual Image Registration Month! This is a month where photographers and artists shall bring forth awareness about the benefits, methods, and ease of image registration!
Some basic facts:
- The moment you create an image, you own the copyright*
- You have basic protections, backed by the government
- Registration with the copyright office can provide additional protection and damages (Statutory damages of up to $150,000)
- Most attorneys either will require money up front or may not take your case if you did NOT register your images!
- Registration is simple and easy!!
* Except when “work made for hire” or when you have specifically signed away copyright
You can register your images online with the Electronic Copyright Office ( https://eco.copyright.gov ) just by filling out a form, paying the small fee, and uploading a zip of your images! You can upload thousands of unrelated images in one process if you want!
Here is a super easy, informative video tutorial by the American Society of Media Photographers:
http://asmp.org/tutorials/how-register-podcast.html
Register your images! Protect your copyright! Protect your income!
If you find yourself in need of a copyright & photo savvy attorney, reach out to Carolyn E. Right, the “Photo Attorney” – http://www.photoattorney.com/
If you are curious about the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and basic steps as to how to use it to protect your images, check out this DMCA tutorial written by Jason Wilder ( http://www.ishotyourband.com/ ) on the MusicPhotographer.net site: http://www.musicphotographers.net/guides-and-tutorials/dmca-letter
Cheers!