On Sep 16, 1996 12:00:27, '"Laitman, Elizabeth X."
<[log in to unmask]>' wrote:


>I wonder what other museum folk think about the status of living
>photographers (in the prime of their career, no less) selling their
>"copyright/ rights."

Copyright is a commodity, like anything else.  At least, today, it is
understood that the rights to creative works do not follow the objects, but
reside with the artist under many conditions.  The artist has the right to
sell his copyright in any of the imaginative ways other copyright holders
do; the artist may break his rights apart by geographical entity, by
duration, by media, etc., and may even retain rights as they are sold or
licensed to others.

For those interested, a special issue of the journal Visual Resources
devoted to issues surrounding the copyright and fair use of images is set
for publication before the end of this year.  This double issue will be
available separately as well as by subscription.  Among other entries, this
publication will contain an article by a representative of a major image
vendor that explains their corporate attitude toward and practices in image
rights management.  In addition, writers will address issues of specific
interest to museums and photo archives.

Anyone interested in being notified about the availability of this
publication may write to me requesting that they be placed on the
announcement distribution list.
--

Robert A. Baron
Guest Editor, Visual Resources: on copyright
Museum Computer Consultant
P.O. Box 93, Larchmont N.Y. 10538
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