Copypix, Pictures needed? Watch out for the trap!
Protected images
Who among you has never been tempted to copy a photo from the Internet?
Monument Atomium: © asbl Atomium – SABAM Belgium 2007
Photo:© Salvador Ferreira
Let’s take the example of a photo of the Atomium. This is a copyrighted photo, the subject of which (an architectural work) is also protected by copyright.
Contrary to received thinking, this photo cannot be reproduced without the authorisation of its creators (photographer and architect) or their assignees.
As is the case for the complete reproduction of the photo, the reproduction of a detail, adaptation or any other form of manipulation, are also prohibited without the authorisations of all the assignees.
Here is an example of an adaptation and modification of a photo of the Atomium incorporated into a work by Magritte:
Monument Atomium: © asbl Atomium – SABAM Belgium 2008
"Faux Miroir" de René Magritte: © Charly Herscovici – SABAM Belgium 2008;
Photo:© Salvador Ferreira
This kind of adaptation and modification is unlawful if the following conditions are not met:
- prior written authorisation of all the creators;
- compliance with the authorisation conditions laid down by the creators, such as the mention of the creators’ names, payment of the rights, etc.
Various companies are at your disposal to give you information about how to use photos or images in an entirely legal fashion and without any computer risk.
The main companies to contact in Belgium are:
The photographic press agencies that support this campaign:
