Photographic Copyright Law

The government is just getting stupid... maybe they should actually talk to photographers before thinking up this stuff.

Just getting stupid? Hmm I think they've been stupid for a while.

There seems little logic the approach suggested unless it is applied across the board to creative artists' work. I look forward to being able to make free copies of music tracks and films from my 'friends' it will save me a fortune on CD, DVD and iTunes.

Why single photographers out? Oh that might be because they don't have the backing of multi-million pound corporations.

I bet the music and film industries would kick up a massive stink if people were allowed to do this with music and films. It would effectively legalise file sharing. Why are photoghraphers being treated differently?

If true, these proposals seem very worrying.

We will be allowed free use of music, films, computer software so long as it's 'non comersial'?

Is there any petition set up so that photographers en masse can express objection to these proposals? If there is a weight of voices behind what The Societies' and British Journal of Photography is telling the government then I can't see any way that could harm our case. Perhaps this is something one of these organisations could set up so that the message is consistent with their campaigns. I'd gladly support that, I'm sure many others would too.

Yes there is, 10 Downing St petition here: Linky

1,020 signatures as I type...

Strangely still says 1020, despite my name being added to the list!

But you guys forget, photographer are terrorists, pedos and criminals. So we have no rights.
Well that's how i think the loonies in power perceive use.

Signed.

Signed

This is Britain gone mad again, any person can use my image, not while I breath.

This issue has to receive more front page coverage on epz and other areas within the interweb and in mainstream papers etc.... if more are aware then they can sign the petition of course the more the merrirer but still no guarantee to the abolition of these ludicrous plans, as other folks have said does this mean all products will be fair game to share between friends ! The usual double standards of these people never cease to amaze.... share share share but give me plenty to get my portcullis serviced !!

Colin

Not sure why so many of you are so objective to the new government rules, as so many of you enter photo competitions, where the Sponsors are basically taking liberties with the usage of the image, for a miserable little price and are effectively getting a Royalty Free licence for life.

Personally I strongly disagree with the Government Plan on changes to the Copyright law, as it takes even more rights away from the photographer. It is hard enough now trying to prevent people stealing your images, using them for personal reason, then manipulate them and then sell the manipulated image as their own work.

I doubt very much if the objections by a few official photographic associations is going to make any difference. The Government will implement the new law and that is that. They have done this with other this with accountancy rules. The highest associations objected, but alas they Government just forged ahead, regardless of the people wishes.

Democracy? has become a euphemism for dictatorship..