FAQs Regarding Copyright

What is copyright?
Copyright is the exclusive right to make, reproduce, distribute copies, publicly display or publish a photograph or image.

What is copyright infringment?
Copyright infringment is copying a photograph without written permission of the copyright owner. This includes copying using a photocopier, a photographic copy, a digital copystand, or a scanner.

When are photographs copyrighted?
A photograph is copyrighted when it is created by the photographer.

Who owns the copyright to the photograph?
The copyright owner is the photographer who created the image.

If I purchase a photograph, don’t I have the right to copy it?
Absolutely not! Copyright can only be transferred in writing by the owner / creator, the photographer. The sale of a print does not include the right to copy the image. Simply stated, someone who purchases a professional photograph is in much the same position as someone who buys a book. They own the physical book but they do not own the copyright, nor do they have the right to have additional copies made.

Do photographs have to be marked with a copyright notice to be protected?
While no markings are required anywhere on the print, it is common practice to do so. (David Grupa Portrait front-marks all images with the ©Grupa symbol.) However, if an image appears to have been professionally created and is, under the law it is copyrighted. You will be asked to produce written permission from the photographer showing that you have the right to copy the photograph.

How long does copyright protection last?
Protection lasts for the life of the photographer plus 50 years.

What kind of penalties can result from illegal copying?
The mandatory minimum penalty under government law is $10,000 per violation.

Please feel free to ask us if you have specific questions regarding the use of your images created here. We will be happy to work with you, and we trust that your honesty and integrity will be sufficient to prevent illegal copying of our work.