copyright?

[revi]

Not as far as I noticed except for some more publicity (but then, I'm a bit outside the target age bracket).

Remco

[Inkanyezi]

As this medium is international a clear answer cannot be given. Somewhat different rules apply depending of where in the world the owner of copyright and the user of images reside. For example the exemption from the photographer's right in some countries for commissioned work is not exempted in other countries, but any such exemption then must be made as an agreement between parties.

Generally, the copyright belongs to the photographer automatically upon the creation of a photograph. The photographer must be a physical person, a human being. Works created by machines or animals will not be protected, unless any country specifically has laws that protect also other intellectual property than that of man. In many countries, any exemption from the copyright of the photographer must be negotiated between parties and bound in a contract. For commissioned work, the subject photographed may influence rights, so for example in portraiture (commissioned), the photographer is not free to use the images unless the customer permits it. However, generally the customer does not own rights other than to the physical objects bought from the photographer. Further copies must be obtained from the photographer or by permission from the photographer.

A copyright notice is not needed for copyright to apply, it is automatically there upon the creation of an image.

When an infringement occurs, different laws may apply in different countries. Generally, the laws where the infringement has taken place will apply. Those laws may differ between different countries, both regarding exact terms for copyright and other rights that are applicable around an image. For example where I live, any competition rule stating that all rights of an image will be transferred to the organiser of the contest will be void due to being unreasonable as a contract condition. However, I cannot claim so in a country that would permit such a condition.

So there is no easy answer to legal questions in an international forum. There are some general guidelines, but the exact details are fuzzy and may change regarding where on the surface of the Earth parties are.

General international guidelines for intellectual property rights may be found in the Berne Convention:
http://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ip/b...ocs_wo001.html

For contract conditions, different rules may apply for different countries.

[Andrew1]

As with many laws and contracts....written and developed solely for the purpose of the continued ongoing utilization of lawyers.

[Colin Southern]

As with many laws and contracts....written and developed solely for the purpose of the continued ongoing utilization of lawyers.

Surely not!

[William W]

you're never to old to be outside the target bracket!