The law regarding copyright in the UK is ,thanks to a lot of work from many people including photographers ( even the BIPP :-)) ) Is black and white,so to speak ,even 0 and 1 in digital terms. Copyright lies with the originator ,Full stop. For a long time I bowed to pressure of the threat of no future work until I decided that I was unwilling to see my photographs credited to an agency. Not only do we lose income from repeat usage but by crediting an agency they,if the work merits it,will be the people who are approached for further work. I will not wait 3 months for anyone.I work on the basis that if they do not pay they are in trouble and If I get my claim into the county court first I will be the one to get paid when the company folds. I also now have a number of ex clients who I will not work for.( probably why I'm broke ) I'm reminded of a firm making jam for a supermarket,true story ! They were pleased with the contract, it made for one hell of a year .The next year another contract was signed for an even greater order at slightly less profit and more workers taken on,the factory also had to expand. The 3rd year the profit margin was again reduced . The 4th year the supermarket chain held out for further price reduction which was below the point at which the factory could survive but by then production was geared up to 100% supermarket brand and zero marketing had been done for 3 years so there were no other customers. The company folded. If your work is creative , if the shots are unique, then why let someone else cream off the potential and take away the rights that have been so hard won. Although you have no obligation to serve notice of court action once the agreed invoice payment terms have been passed it is wise to do so but ensure that it is by registered mail. I must get some rest this sort of stuff really winds me up. Working with Tranny film tomorrow ,3rd time this year and its only November !!
Regards Michael Wilkinson. 106 Holyhead Rd, Ketley, Telford, Shropshire. England .TF1 5DJ 44 (0) 1952 618986. www.infocus-photography.co.uk For Negatives & transparencies from digital files ----- Original Message ----- From: "SimonMartin" > A friend of mine is being bullied by CondeNast and I thought I would > ask here if anyone has been given the same treatment. > > The photographer in question did a job for one of CN's titles. They are > withholding payment of her invoice until she signs away *all* rights to > the images concerned and *all future work* done for any CN title, in > perpetuity. > > This is obviously out of order and I have a feeling it has been > discussed here before. > > Any thoughts on this? > > The images were in fact never used as the art director was new and > asked for the images to be shot on a black BG. Apparently CN never do > this and the images were canned. > > There is no written order, only an email confirming the job. > > No mention of the "Contributors Contract" was made before the shoot. > > The invoice has been unpaid for five months already, before the > contract was mentioned. > > Let me know what you think =============================================================== GO TO http://www.prodig.org for ~ GUIDELINES ~ un/SUBSCRIBING ~ ITEMS for SALE
