Ben Root from Home Power here.
I'm not a wrench, nor a lawyer, but I do know a
thing or two about the use of images...
"Unethical?"...yes. Though ethics are a value
judgement, and thus open to interpretation.
Unfortunately, if the person isn't actually
stating that the systems shown are their own
installations, then it could be reasonably argued
that they were using the images to represent
generic "solar-ness" to set the stage for what
their business provides. Even "educational"
purposes could be argued (though not convincingly
to those of us who know better).
If they shot the photos, then the image rights do
belong to them and they can use them as they
please. And if they weren't trespassing to shoot
the subject matter (or had permission from the
system owner), then there are no privacy rights
being infringed upon.
If they do state that the system is their
handiwork, then that's obviously unethical, and
there may be legal accountability (but that's
beyond my expertise, as it's more about false
statements than the use of an image).
However, (and I've seen this in other industries)
I'd bet that if you approached them on the
subject, (not accusatory, but just as an
FYI...educating them) they'd be so embarrassed at
being caught, the behavior would stop
immediately. Likely it's a new business person,
just trying to get going, and scraping for any
sense of professionalism to display. Instead, to
be called on blatant unprofessionalism should be
humbling to them.
To them a favor, by calling them out soon. And if
they don't react red-faced and apologetically,
then it tells you more about who they are as a
business person than just "new and naive." Then
maybe contact the BBB.
Ben
At 5:34 PM -0500 4/28/14, Rebecca Lundberg wrote:
I have come across a new (small) installer
taking photos of solar projects that others
installed, and promoting them on their web site
in their "gallery" without getting permission or
giving any credit to the installer. This seems
unethical, and I'd like to be able to point to a
law related to this so that my sites are not
used in this way. Even if a customer gives this
person permission to take a photo of their site,
it doesn't make sense that this installer could
imply any credit for this project by using it on
their web site. Isn't there some kind of law
that relates to this?
Thanks in advance for your input!
Keep Shining!
Rebecca Lundberg
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ®
Owner/President
Powerfully Green®
763.438.1976 | [email protected]
Powered by the Sun!
--
Benjamin M. Root
Art Director, Home Power Magazine
mailto:[email protected]
phone 541.531.3377
http://www.homepower.com
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