>> or modifying the >> image data itself. > > I know 'someone' who burns the original image , and sends to client and > burns a slightly altered image i.e.. put a reflection in a window or cut off > a tree branch , or move a button on a coat or something similar , then > records what has been done on a simple text file. That way its pretty > certain that if the digi image they sent to client is 'reused' i.e.. ripped > off , it can be proven that it was their image . And it doesn't take to > long. I'm sure its not completely infallible , but cheap and I reckon pretty > effective when shown to a judge or itinerant 'client'
The discussion on how to protect images is infinite as long as we don't get some way to embed expiration dates to data on CD's or DVD's. I understand some are working on this, and the DVD world is moving in that direction regarding films, promos etc. It may happen sooner or later. In the meantime, we have to appeal to available resources. THe 3 most widely used methods to "identify" images as yours, are the FIle Info inside of Photoshop, where you can build an action to fill up all your data in a batch processing of your files. Second procedure is to use utilities like "Commentator" which let you overwirite the Finder's file info box with your own selected data. You can of course do this manually but the app lets you write specific info, including your contact phone, email,copyright notice etc, to folders of images, all in a second. THird procedure is to LOCK the images prior to burning the CD's. Don't run please, I know I know a simple opening of the file and "Save as" will override the finder's command, BUT, you can clearly spell in writing, in a document accompannying the files,iether on the CD or in paper, that anyone opening the files accepts that they are getting the data directly from you, that to date, there is no other possible source of identical data in their machines, and therefore, the only way they can be handling such files is because they are copying them from your CD, which have all the copyright data (metadata) embedded, therefore they HAVE to accept those images are yours and only yours.. Later they can rip all the data and all identifiers in their computers, but you have in your hands the admission from them that they did it, regardless of their "good" intentions, only from images copied from the CD. This is ,of course, a matter of good faith, but believeme , it works. And in a court of law, it also works. You can also add the same wording in your invoice, so there is no doubt whatsoever that they clearly read ,understood and accepted your terms well before entering in any legal discussion. Other photographers have added additional terms, like not willing to accept any modifications on the files, unles they have your consent to do so, therfore they are not complying to your terms if they remove the info and metadata. This is Just like the licensing terms imposed by the software makers, under which you agree to their terms just by opening the package or box where the CD is stored. One thing here, all this really works if you have REALLY registered your images in your local copyright office or in the US Copyright Office. I think Bob can give you more detailed insight about how British Law works for( or against) you, as compared to the US copyright, which has relative value outside the US, although it is part of the Bern Convention and the Uruguay Round, by which well over 100 countries agreed to comply by the same rules. Other than this, you have to find a copyright lawyer, and it is much wiser to do it through photographer's trade organizations. If in England, then you should join the AOP and ask for their advise and support. If in the US, you should join either the Advertising Photographers of America (APA) or the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) both of which do have a great legal counseling and have dedicated many resources into solving copyright issues for their members. Simple fast, cheap and effective details for bulk-registering work in the US Copyright Office can be found in the sites of those organizations and in the Editorial Photographer's website. Consult your local authorities for info about british registration. http://www.editorialphoto.com (probably the most detailed info) http://www.asmp.org http://www.apanational.com PS: the "Commentator" is an old app. There must be newer ones, but I have not loked into that, since I am still ( and will still be for some time ahead) working on OS 9.2. Don't know if there is an equivalent OSX utility. Get it from www.versiontracker.com All the best. Jorge Parra APA/ASMP www.jorgeparra.com =============================================================== GO TO http://www.prodig.org for ~ GUIDELINES ~ un/SUBSCRIBING ~ ITEMS for SALE
