Re: Art Work Photos on the Library Homepage

On 98-06-01, Victoria Tsai <vicky_tsai[_at_]cpcc.cc.nc.us> asks:
>
> Our Library is considering taking digital photographs of the art
> works on campus (these are mostly student art works the College has
> purchased.) The authors of some of these art works are no longer
> known to us due to incomplete records. We do not think the artists
> signed any release form at the time of the transactions.
>
> Questions:
>
> 1. If we put these photos on our web page, does it
> violate copyright law?
>
> 2. Would a disclaimer and a copyright warning on
> the web page be sufficient?

The answer to question # 1 is YES: reproduction of the work via photos (adaptation) without authorization infringes the student artist(s)' copyright in the work(s).

Re question #2, there is nothing legally relevant to "disclaim." Nor do I believe that this would qualify as any sort of fair or educational use which would constitute a defense.

I hope this is helpful. However, it is not under any circumstances to be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion; nor does the above give rise to any attorney-client relationship.

Barbara Brudno, Esq.
LAW OFFICES OF BARBARA BRUDNO
Los Angeles, CA 90069
(310) 550-8034 (telephone)
E-mail: BBIPLaw[_at_]aol.com
On-line listing/resume: http://www.wld.com/lawyer/barbara.brudno Received on Mon Jun 01 1998 - 23:47:17 GMT