[nebgranny]

I make photo collages all the time. If I am using the customers own digital pictures to do the work , when the collage is completed is it ok to put my name and copy right sign on the back of my completed work so it can not be duplicated without my permission?

I must say the pictures I use are those not taken professionally. The pictures belong to the customer.
Thanks Neb

[Doug Nelson]

You don't have the rights necessary to approve or disapprove who duplicates it (unless your client released copyright to you). It is called a "derivative work", and is not covered by copyright law.

But it's still a good idea to put your info somewhere on it, in case someone would like to hire you for similar work.

[nebgranny]

Thanks Doug, I wondered about this issue. So...if they release copyright to me then it is my work and I own it right? If the customer does that what does that mean for sure for them in regard to the pictures. Does that give those who get that the right to use the pictures for ANYTHING..good or bad if they want? I would like to make up a form to get the release but note on it that the release is for the collage work only, that way they will be protected and would not have to worry about the pictures being used for anything else but the collage work...Now know they would NEVER have to worry about the pictures being used in an inapproiate way from me, yet I can protect my work by receiving the copyright release.

I purchased an ink stamp for my business and had a copy right symbol put by the business logo I designed myself. The rest of the information is my name and business address. So I feel I have not wasted my little investment in the ink stamp maybe. Neb

[Doug Nelson]

Copyright can be transferred, loaned, licensed, shared, bequeathed, and all sorts of other stuff, depending on how the contract is written (yes, to be legal it must be a written contract).

Maybe you can cover up the little © on your stamp

[nebgranny]

But ..I own the Business Logo and it looks like that Logo has the copyright not the picture it will be stamped on,so going to leave it Neb