Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/12/04

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Subject: [Leica] Sneak thief photographers!
From: "delia" <louzan@worldnet.att.net>
Date: Fri, 4 Dec 1998 19:40:12 -0000

Michael,

Unfortunately it's not a simple question that you can answer with a yes or
no.  There are a lot of gray areas, each situation is different.
Even though it's true that you don't need a model release for editorial
purposes, it is still a good idea to obtain one when possible.  You can
take a picture of a couple kissing in a park, but if  it's used in an
article about promiscuity, you can get sued regardless of whether you knew
this was going to be the subject or not.  You can get sued even if you have
a model release, because your subject can claim they would have never
foreseen that use -- and they would have never allowed the picture to be
connected with such an article in the first place.  As for WHO gets sued,
they'll probably go after both the photographer and the publisher to cover
all bases.  
Even if you sign a work for hire agreement, you are still accountable under
US law for any pictures you have made, another good reason for retaining
Copyright.

Regards,
Robert
(I'm not a lawyer, so if you have a specific questions consult a lawyer who
specializes in visual arts.)