street art copyrights

[fralexis]

I returned from Montreal, a great place to photograph, and have a question about street art. Montreal has some tremendous graffiti. I took several shots. It was all on the sides of buildings downtown in empty parking lots and the like. Do you think one can use these photographs without fear of violating a copyright?

Alexis

[Dangelica]

Could be tricky on that one.

If the work is commissioned legally buy a local council or owner of the property then the artist(s) involved in the work would have a say in the use of the art.

If it is a burner thrown up illegally then i couldn't see how someone can copyright a case of vandalism. best thing would be to contact a local council and look up art copyrights through their local art gallery and library.

[kuvahmagh]

Originally Posted by Dangelica

If it is a burner thrown up illegally then i couldn't see how someone can copyright a case of vandalism. best thing would be to contact a local council and look up art copyrights through their local art gallery and library.

I was about to disagree with you on the basis that all work is copyrighted as soon as it is done however there is also the 'you can't benefit from illegal acts' such as vandalism. It would be an interesting case to play out though since they may still have copyright (don't know what the law says specifically about copyright relating to other laws) but not be able to make any money off of it (lawsuit).

[Dangelica]

Most places in the world wouldn't call a photograph of any act of vandalism (that being non commissioned) a breach of copyright. They generally call it evidence for the prosecution.

[kuvahmagh]

Originally Posted by Dangelica

Most places in the world wouldn't call a photograph of any act of vandalism (that being non commissioned) a breach of copyright. They generally call it evidence for the prosecution.

That's true but Montreal & Quebec in general are pretty so******t places with a history of odd rules/laws when it comes to things like this. Take their laws regarding Photo Releases, so far as I know they are the most subject oriented set anywhere.

Not really arguing here just pointing out the fact that Quebec is a little screwy about pretty much everything.