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Image rights

In the context of their activities, photographers and photographic press agencies take thousands of photos of public figures and private individuals.

These pictures are taken either on the occasion of certain events or during reports. They are disseminated in consideration of news and current affairs.

From that moment on, these photos cannot be used by third parties without the agreement of the photographers or the agencies representing them and, of course, that of the person depicted.

Image rights are personal rights allowing any public figure or private individual to oppose the dissemination of his or her image. This right applies throughout the lifetime of the person in question, and up until 20 years after his or her death.

Unauthorised reproduction and/or pirating of these photos leads to legal proceedings and is subject to severe penalties.

Here are a few examples:

Cour d'appel de Bruxelles, Chambre Civiles, 9 novembre 1998

Tribunal de première instance Bruxelles, Civil, 10 octobre 1993

Concerning public figures (politicians, sportsmen, singers, etc.), the authorisation to take photographs and publish images in the context of their public activities is presumed to have been granted. Outside this context, two authorisations are required: that of the photographer and that of the person photographed.

Copypix, Pictures needed? Watch out for the trap!

Image rights