Hollywood Sign: Copyright? I took this a while ago while parked in front of someone’s home in the hills below the sign. I only go one shot before the homeowner asked “Can I help you?

Craigdca Loc: California

I took this a while ago while parked in front of someone’s home in the hills below the sign. I only go one shot before the homeowner asked “Can I help you? You’re trespassing!” through his intercom, LOL. I was on the public street but left anyway.
Are there any copyright issues I should know if I were to use or sell this photo?

(Download)

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Craigdca wrote:

I took this a while ago while parked in front of someone’s home in the hills below the sign. I only go one shot before the homeowner asked “Can I help you? You’re trespassing!” through his intercom, LOL. I was on the public street but left anyway.
Are there any copyright issues I should know if I were to use or sell this photo?

The sign truly belongs to the public. And yet, in a sleight of hand, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce insists that it owns trademark rights to the sign's “likeness” and therefore can charge for the use of that image.

Craigdca Loc: California

PixelStan77 wrote:

The sign truly belongs to the public. And yet, in a sleight of hand, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce insists that it owns trademark rights to the sign's “likeness” and therefore can charge for the use of that image.

Thanks, I was afraid of that. Sigh.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

(I'll bet TONS of people stop there to take a picture and he's just being grumpy about it.)

Craigdca Loc: California

Longshadow wrote:

(I'll bet TONS of people stop there to take a picture and he's just being grumpy about it.)

Exactly.

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

Everything is in question. My grandaughter on bike on crowded board walk in FL. Technically some other
people shouldn't be in shot. You have to be careful. One answer is buy a camera like the Sony RX10 bridge series
with 24 600 mm lens that is pretty sharp. I allowed me to shoot sometimes things I couldnt get.
Of course common sense always comes into play. Dont shoot the girl in the bikini that has a big
muscular boyfriend. Good luck.

Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown

That is a joke.

clint f. Loc: Priest Lake Idaho, Spokane Wa

Here we go again.

bleirer

Saw this on the web, covers photography too. https://hollywoodsign.org/filming-the-sign/

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Good capture! No trespass if you were on a public road.

roadenphotos

Now you tell me

Dannj

I’m confused. As for the trespassing issue I guess if you were standing on his lawn you might be trespassing but not if you’re standing on the road. The guy’s probably just tired of people stopping in front of his house. But what does that have to do with the copyright? Which I don’t think is an issue anyway.

Craigdca Loc: California

nimbushopper wrote:

Good capture! No trespass if you were on a public road.

Thanks!

Craigdca Loc: California

Dannj wrote:

I’m confused. What does the “trespassing” claim have to do with the copyright issue?

I’m already bummed about the copyright issue as I’m not comfortable sharing this out much. Getting the confirmation that I indeed wasn’t trespassing was appreciated.

No regrets though as it was a thrill to get the image myself.

Dannj

Craigdca wrote:

I’m already bummed about the copyright issue as I’m not comfortable sharing this out much. Getting the confirmation that I indeed wasn’t trespassing was appreciated.

No regrets though as it was a thrill to get the image myself.

Got it. And it is a great shot. Frame it and hang it👍