I tried searching for this in the archives, but was unsuccessful. Does anyone have examples of generic copyright release forms for when you wish to authorize a customer to reproduce your images?

Thanks
Brett

I'm not giving out legal advice, but you might look here:

http://www.reedservices.com/standard.htm

and here

http://www.amazon.com/Business-Legal.../dp/158115206X

Andy,

Thanks so much. I appreciate the information, however it does not appear that these address the specific form I'm looking for. I am looking for a generic release form that I can sign to give the model permission to have images that I've taken reproduced. In other words, I'm giving her some images on a disc and in order for her to have them printed, the photo store will require a signed copyright release from me. I'm having trouble locating that form. I have model release forms which is what the links you sent seem to address.

Brett

I don't think there is a generic release. You as the copyright holder can write whatever you want. Make your own release, put contact info on it so if a lab has questions about it, they can reach you and get it squared away. You are the authority. Easy breezy :-)

Originally Posted by Shay Stephens I don't think there is a generic release. You as the copyright holder can write whatever you want. Make your own release, put contact info on it so if a lab has questions about it, they can reach you and get it squared away. You are the authority. Easy breezy :-)

Thanks Shay!

With Shay....I usually just write a quick letter that I am giving use of image to person for wahtever reason for lenght of time for so many prints at such & such size, then I sign it with phone and email, date it and have it notorized just to give it that really "LEGAL" look.
so far all the processors have called to double check even with the notory stamp.....

Does this require knowledge of Latin?

or, you could just have your clients order through smugmug

Actually my last one was for a local spiritual counselor - Reiki Master.
It stated that I ( full name) was giving full and complete rights to use digital files (name and number of files) contained on CD for a period of 1 year, including the rights to change the layered tiff files to meet her future requirements, so long as my contact info (copyright with email addy) stayed intact on the finished product.

Signed____________________ this day of month of year.



Notary_________________________________________

took to a local grocery store and had it notorized....

This is not the exact language i used...but what I used was very plain american english....not law english.....

I am sure if there is a law school near you, that you could get a student to draft you a really legal ezed one for almost nothing, especially if they are into the contract writing section for the term.

If I am giving a disc to someone I make sure a copyright notice is on the label and a reference to a read-me file on the disc (.txt & .doc and sometimes a pdf). Here's an example of the file:

Read Me

Copyright

All images are copyright ©2006 Allen W. Miller. All rights reserved.

Unrestricted publication rights are granted to ____________ as long as the following conditions are met:

Any publication or reproduction of these images must include the photographers name and a copyright symbol.
(Put contact info here.)


This file can be changed to "No Publication or Reproduction Allowed" or any conditions or permissions you as the photographer want to allow. This is legal and binding. Print a paper copy if needed. Another alternative is to include a scan of a paper document that has your signature on it.
While you own the copyright, if you register the image with the copyright office it is a lot easier to go after someone who might be using your image(s) illegally. (You can register many images for cost of one registration fee.)

But... this is not legal advice!
Hope this is helpful.

Originally Posted by Alkhemist If I am giving a disc to someone I make sure a copyright notice is on the label and a reference to a read-me file on the disc (.txt & .doc and sometimes a pdf). Here's an example of the file: Read Me Copyright All images are copyright ©2006 Allen W. Miller. All rights reserved. Unrestricted publication rights are granted to ____________ as long as the following conditions are met: Any publication or reproduction of these images must include the photographers name and a copyright symbol. (Put contact info here.) This file can be changed to "No Publication or Reproduction Allowed" or any conditions or permissions you as the photographer want to allow. This is legal and binding. Print a paper copy if needed. Another alternative is to include a scan of a paper document that has your signature on it. While you own the copyright, if you register the image with the copyright office it is a lot easier to go after someone who might be using your image(s) illegally. (You can register many images for cost of one registration fee.) But... this is not legal advice! Hope this is helpful.

What a great suggestion. Thank you.