Copyright Issues & Queries

[Gaurav Prabhu]

Due to digital thefts, copyrighting has become a must. But I;m a bit confused as to how to copyright the images. If I place the copyright mark on the bottom of the image then it can be easily cropped off. If it is placed in the centre then it mars the beauty of the photograph. So how should one copyright the images? Also what should the copyright text include? Is the year in which photograph was taken important? The Copyright logo ©? What else? Also is there any organisation(for India) with which photographers can register in case of copyrights infringement? Tell me your process of copyrighting the images & why you feel its good enough.

[jdepould]

Copyright Office

[Gaurav Prabhu]

Ok but what about watermarking? Which is the best method? What do you prefer?

[jdepould]

I just use Lightroom for watermarking. It doesn't affect copyright status, but it does give you grounds to pursue a willful infringement case when someone removes it (increased $$$), at least in the U.S.

[Gaurav Prabhu]

Ok. I would like to know the method you use in Lightroom. Your copyrights are at the bottom of the images & they can be easily cropped off.

[CheaperKings]

Originally Posted by Gaurav Prabhu

Ok. I would like to know the method you use in Lightroom. Your copyrights are at the bottom of the images & they can be easily cropped off.

You're never going to stop someone from cropping off your watermark. But, if you have the original, then that will show in court that they did, indeed, crop off the watermark intentionally. So, any judge is going to look at that as they stole it...and then you get paid.

[jdepould]

Originally Posted by Gaurav Prabhu

Ok. I would like to know the method you use in Lightroom. Your copyrights are at the bottom of the images & they can be easily cropped off.

What do you mean method? I check the watermarking box.

[Gaurav Prabhu]

Originally Posted by jdepould

What do you mean method? I check the watermarking box.

I forgot to erase that line after seeing your Flickr stream. Thanks for your inputs. Is it advisable to put logo(watermark) on centre of images?

[jdepould]

Originally Posted by Gaurav Prabhu

I forgot to erase that line after seeing your Flickr stream. Thanks for your inputs. Is it advisable to put logo(watermark) on centre of images?

Legally, the location is pretty irrelevant. Whether or not you want a watermark on someone's face is a personal choice.