[see her original message for the full text. Deletions are shown by "..."] -----Original Message----- From: Sally Shelton <[log in to unmask]> ... Date: April 15, 1999 04:58 Subject: Specimen and image copyright issues >I have posted this from correspondence sent by Lynn Kimsey and cross-posted it to NHCOLL-L. > >In 1998 the Natural History Museum (London) instituted a new regulation regarding its collections, which prohibits the image recording of any of its specimens or specimen label data by photography or digital imaging, unless an institutional permission statement was signed and fees paid every time the image was used. The Museum is in essence declaring that the museum holds copyright to each specimen and associated data. ... =================================================== My comments: COPYRIGHT - It appears that the Natural History Museum (London) is copyrighting specimens that they did not create. The copyright action does seem excessive but its legality would depend upon the copyright laws of the UK. In Canada the basic premise is as I understand it that the CREATOR may copyright something, and then only for a set period of time(s). MUSEUM REPLICAS - Replicas based upon museum specimens are common and appropriate if done with permission, credit, and clear markings to indicate that they are replicas. It is reasonable I feel for a museum to control photography in a gallery or storage area for reasons of conservation, security, safety and comfort of other visitors etc. Years ago a senior staff member advised me that the Canadian War Museum had the problem of someone photographing an old military chest in the museum, and then using these photos, the people manufactured and sold replicas of the chest without the museum's knowledge or permission. If a museum owns an item, but did not create it, does that give them copyright on who may reproduce it? If an archives or museum owns a print, or even an original negative of a photo, but did not create it, do they have any copyright? Most claim copyright, but is it appropriate? I do feel that it is reasonable that they ask for fees related to copying (cost plus a profit margin) and a credit line, but beyond that? Colin Macgregor Stevens Museum Curator Burnaby Village Museum City of Burnaby, BC, CANADA (604) 293-6500 Business: [log in to unmask] Museum Webpage: http://www.burnabyparksrec.org/villagemuseum/villagemuseum.html Personal: [log in to unmask] Military living history personal web-site: http://bcoy1cpb.pacdat.net