Congress passes 'Copyright Small Claims Act'
Dec 23, 2020 09:28:46 #
Los-Angeles-Shooter wrote:
NEWS RELEASE: br http://copyrightalliance.org/news... (show quote)
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Thanks....... Very good to know
Cheers
GeoVz
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Dec 23, 2020 10:13:17 #
Los-Angeles-Shooter wrote:
NEWS RELEASE: br http://copyrightalliance.org/news... (show quote)
Hey Shooter! Bills, acts, and laws are the same BUT different. LAWS are what really count, courts play with those. Bills and acts are toys the Congress invented so dirty-old-farts have things to play with. Until a bill becomes a law us little people don't need to worry about whatever it says. Once the bill is signed we need to heed. I realize life in L.A. differs slightly but rules B rules on both shores. Have a Very Merry!!!
Dec 23, 2020 11:03:45 #
Los-Angeles-Shooter wrote:
NEWS RELEASE: The law creates a simple to use court for creators including photographers to enforce their rights without the cost of an attorney, and without the difficulty and expense of the formal federal court procedures.
"...simple to use..." Really? It's another law written by lawyers creating positions for lawyers that requires a lawyer to understand. Scroll through the text; the first hundred or so sections set up a review board staffed by lawyers and the next hundred or so sections describe how the board will operate. I never did see anything a layman could use that describes what photographic copyright infringement might consist of or how they might seek protection under it. Does anyone who's not a lawyer think they could successfully implement this law as written without a lawyer?
Dec 23, 2020 11:23:18 #
fourlocks wrote:
"...simple to use..." Really? It's ano... (show quote)
Once it is in effect you will probably be able to get information from the 'courts' that are set up. When I was working I had to deal with small claims courts on a few occasions. In each case I called and asked my questions and got the necessary answers. I guess I'm more optimistic than some, or maybe I just learned how to work through the various systems. I think if you approach things with a negative attitude to start with, you are more likely to get a negative result.
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Dec 23, 2020 11:26:21 #
DavidPine
Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
Bigmike1 wrote:
It won’t affect me since I am not a professional.
You don't have to be a professional to a copyright.
Dec 23, 2020 11:32:43 #
As the new law plays out, its use by little people will determine its effect on their interests. In turn, we should see explanations in plain words for how to make good use of this law.
FotoHog wrote:
Back to square one. Hire a layer to interpret the legalese. . . . 
Dec 23, 2020 11:38:29 #
Bigmike1 wrote:
It won’t affect me since I am not a professional.
ALL PHOTOGRAPHS are copyrighted. Not just professionals. Even you, as an amateur, are protected. If someone steals your photo and uses it in any way, you can sue, unless of course, you really do not care, and are ok with theft. Your photos belong you just as your camera does. What would you do if someone stole your camera?
Dec 23, 2020 11:43:34 #
AzPicLady wrote:
This has been a long time coming and a welcome innovation! Now the issue is to find out when your image has been used!
If you use Google Image Search, you can find where your images are being used on the internet.
Dec 23, 2020 12:09:41 #
frankraney wrote:
ALL PHOTOGRAPHS are copyrighted. Not just professionals. Even you, as an amateur, are protected. If someone steals your photo and uses it in any way, you can sue, unless of course, you really do not care, and are ok with theft. Your photos belong you just as your camera does. What would you do if someone stole your camera?
I don't think you are comparing apples to apples. If someone steals your camera you have nothing. If someone steals your photo from the internet there a good chance you will never know it. If you had no intention of selling anything you haven't lost anything.
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Dec 23, 2020 12:27:13 #
That great law is just a bit late for me as I gradually slip into retirement. With that being said I've done a few small claims actions and started on a Federal copyright suit. All started with non-payment after I caught them. It's easy to just ignore requests to settle but authorized court papers generally change things. I was able to prevail in all cases. With the Federal suit we were able to settle out of court. In one case I won, but the opposing side sent part payments but I smelled a rat and just saved the checks and indeed they stopped coming and then stop payments were issued. I finally had law enforcement on the verge of seizing property. My one time being Perry Mason!
Dec 23, 2020 12:39:12 #
JohnSwanda wrote:
So you don't mind if someone steals one of your photos and makes money on it?
I'm not a Pro so nope, more power to them
Dec 23, 2020 14:01:42 #
Bill_de wrote:
I don't think you are comparing apples to apples. If someone steals your camera you have nothing. If someone steals your photo from the internet there a good chance you will never know it. If you had no intention of selling anything you haven't lost anything.
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Maybe, but you get my point. Everyone is protected, not just professionals! He said he wasn't a pro so he does not matter. It's ok if one does not give a care, but they are protected if they do. My granddaughter has found two of her photos posted online under someone elses account. True it may be hard to find but it can happen.
Merry Christmas bill, have a good one.
Dec 23, 2020 14:30:56 #
frankraney wrote:
Maybe, but you get my point. Everyone is protected, not just professionals! He said he wasn't a pro so he does not matter. It's ok if one does not give a care, but they are protected if they do. My granddaughter has found two of her photos posted online under someone elses account. True it may be hard to find but it can happen.
As soon as you click the shutter, your image is copyrighted - even if you do not register it. However, registering it will help you if you decide to pursue copyright infringement. (It can be registered after the fact.)
I know of another pro photographer who had an image accepted into the PPA Loan Collection. He found another photographer, in another state, used that image on his own web site to advertise his "skills". That takes some nerve (and stupidity) since a 3rd photographer noticed it right away (memorable photograph) and told the true owner of the image. Very easily proven who owned the image. Google Image search can help anybody find their images on the web. PPA has been fighting for, and lobbying for this copyright legislation for years. If you don't feel it helps you - fine. There are many who will benefit from this bill, if it does get passed with the amended bill.
Dec 23, 2020 14:47:16 #
montephoto wrote:
As soon as you click the shutter, your image is co... (show quote)
Agreed - It's an additional benefit and an improvement.
Dec 23, 2020 14:52:55 #
montephoto wrote:
As soon as you click the shutter, your image is co... (show quote)
"As soon as you click the shutter, your image is copyrighted". And, maybe that's why it's called a copyright NOTICE.
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