This reminds me of rare books I’ve come across, that were once in the possession of a library that stamped their name on every one of the books’ beautiful engravings (sometimes multiple stamps on one engraving), apparently to discourage the ripping out of those pages.

If I’m understanding correctly, your director is suggesting the copyright logo be placed on the photo itself, and large enough to not miss being noticed? If so, then why not underneath instead, or next to, as part of a caption or text — or anywhere outside the boundaries of the image? Wouldn't due-diligence in having the copyright show somewhere, but not ON the photo, be enough?

/stephen


S t e p h e n    N o w l i n
Vice President
Director, Alyce de Roulet Williamson Gallery
ArtCenter
1700 Lida Street
Pasadena, CA 91103
626.396.2397 | http://williamsongallery.net/google 

P a s a d e n a  —  C I t y   o f   A r t   &   S c I e n c e 


On 3/23/18, 12:48 PM, "Museum discussion list on behalf of Ashley LaVigne" <[log in to unmask] on behalf of [log in to unmask]> wrote:

Hello everyone. I have a question re: copyright. Our museum displays historic photographs in townships across our county and we were recently asked to help create tour kiosks along a bike trail. These will contain roughly 100 images. My director is adamant we now place a copyright tag on every single image, including the ones we will print and mount in our gallery displays. I think these look tacky and take away from the images, but he is convinced people will steal these images and reproduce our images for their own use/financial gain--thus saying we might as well not even house photos in our collection or sell them because everyone will have them. I personally think this is a bit dramatic. I was under the understanding that these photos are copyrighted regardless, and that ownership would have to be proven should we find someone reproducing our images anyway?

Can anyone offer advice so when the subject arises again I can understand it better? I have been reading copyright laws, but I guess I need something laid out in a way I can easily understand.

Please feel free to contact me off list.

Thank you!

Best,

Ashley LaVigne

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