Lecture Review—Image Ownership and Usage in the Digital Age

Mary Virginia Swanson has reviewed a recent lecture through the Aperture Foundation, titled Aperture Lecture: Image Ownership and Usage in the Digital Age. It took place December 6, moderated by IP attorney Michelle Bogre with attorney Barbara T. Hoffman and photographer/former Getty Images Senior VP Richard Ellis on the panel.

Barbara greatly increased our understanding of the “FAIR USE” determination, citing cases involving artists and photographers whose works had been appropriated by other artists for commercial purposes. Richard brought a strong voice for photographers to the table, citing his concerns that as a result of the internet, the value of distribution now outweighs the value of content and further, the public perception of the value of images has crashed. His conclusions: 1) your behavior matters—do not give up your copyright or otherwise devalue your work, 2) respect ALL copyrights, 3) defend your rights—be a voice in support of copyright protection, join professional organizations like ASMP, EP, SAA, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and others, and lastly, 4) VALUE YOUR WORK. Michelle closed, citing the possible comparison of cultural change to slowing global warming—if we honor the work of others, valuing one copyright-protected work at a time, we CAN make a difference!

To view more reviews from Mary Virginia Swanson, visit her blog here.