Heath Korvola » copyright

copyright: a new twist

admin — Fri, 01 May 2009 15:19:45 +0000

though i don’t see this carrying over to photography anytime soon it will be interesting to see how this ripples through the film industry. apparently a very dedicated group of loyal fans of LOTR has put together a prequel (something that peter jackson is working on now as well reportedly) and will be releasing it this sunday. jrr tolkien’s family has all rights to the main LOTR story but as this is done without commercial intentions (it’s being released for free) it’s a kind of uncharted territory.

check out the trailer via dailymotion + full story via npr. thought not a huge fan of the series the craftsmanship is undeniable, especially for $4500. let the story of copyright begin.

copyright + search + white space = change

heath — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:25:50 +0000

recently have heard the rumbling of several changes that are currently or soon to occur with significant impacts on issues that are close / directly related to visual media. while unclear now as to the outcome i think that each of these changes will have far reaching affects.

copyright :: talking with a german journalist lately she was filling me in on royalties she gets through a government program there. asking what the hell she was talking about she filled me in on the concept. basically, on behalf of writers throughout the country (you have to prove that your published, how many words your write, etc) the government asses a tax on all copy machine manufacturers. it’s a type of royalty for her based on the use, or possible use, of her work.

in this same respect, asmp released a bulletin late last week detailing a ‘landmark’ settlement between google and the authors guild. the ag “has been the published writer’s advocate for effective copyright, fair contracts, and free expression since 1912.” in that capacity they went after the google monster for putting page after page of millions of books online thereby infringing on copyright. this is my favorite clip from that bulletin,

Many of these were older books in the public domain, but millions of others were still under copyright protection. Nick Taylor, then the president of the Guild, saw Google

does copyright need a czar?

heath — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:11:38 +0000

so the orphan works bill is still floating around and there has been some recent attention as it’s fate fluttered between life and death. as it stands now, everything’s on hold while congress is on recess. no doubt though that we’ll be starting all over once the next session swings back to work.

last week i had the chance to catch up with MT senator jon tester during his trip through the area to try and discuss the orphan works bill. unfortunately he had little time and awareness about the current intellectual property rights concerns that face creatives. but it was a start, his staff now has a few photographers they can consult as i wasn’t the only one there. (hats off to another local shooter who has taken upon himself to contact and speak or meet with all three of MT’s reps).

with this in mind i wanted to let everyone know that PACA (Picture Archive Council of America) is working within the creative community to further copyright education and to that end has created the Jane Kinne Copyright Education Program and posted a video. this via creativepro.com,

“In support of this effort PACA developed the Jane Kinne Copyright Education Program, which can be streamed online or ordered on DVD. The free one-hour presentation provides a thorough review of copyright law in the United States and how it applies to the use of imagery in advertising, the news media and fine art.” The video touches the finer points of what we all need to be familiar with as covered by counsel Nancy Wolff.

and fresh off the press this am on wired.com comes a short concept on “Who Should be the First US Copyright Czar?”. with the president signing the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights Act just monday, we could be in for an interesting argument to determine who might fit this bill. in true wired style they’ve already got a poll going so you might want to check it out. so far Lawrence Lessig, Founder of Center for Internet and Society & a Stanford professor is in the lead.

the basic idea behind the copyright czar would be to mirror the drug czar and to implement a nationwide plan to combat piracy and then report directly to congress and the president. with the right person engaged, this could be a huge boost for intellectual property in my mind but it will be fascinating to see who that might be and how the powers that be, google, yahoo, etc, can serve their influence.

rough

heath — Tue, 06 May 2008 22:12:17 +0000

Looks like the dark side across the universe it catching up to creativity, the outdoors and photography in general. Have had the unfortunate experience of hearing about the changing of the guard in a few different venues.

First up is the latest Orphan Works bill going through the House & Senate now. It’s been an ongoing ordeal if you haven’t followed it that will undoubtedly affect visual media across the board, especially photographers. Both ASMP and APA have been on top of the issue sending delegates to the hearings and gathering support. You can voice your own concern with the current versions of the bill here. You can get a grip on the current status of the legislation here.

On an equally nasty note, as of Monday 5.5.08 eco conscious manufacturer of outdoor clothing and general goodwill ambassador Nau, has closed it’s doors (good luck getting on the site). The portland based company made great strides in attempting to alter our current purchasing habits by stocking bare essentials in color and size and encouraging customers to order online – you’ve got to admire that. Hopefully their spirit of local community support will live on.

Also out of pdx is news that outdoor giant Columbia Sportswear is trimming employees, including those tied into the photo/media departments. Have heard personally of 16+ years of experience being let loose for greener pastures.

Beyond that it’s raining in the Rockies. My friend, Swedish writer Karin Sundstrom, was almost stolen in a large avalanche to end the winter season in BC. And now no one’s business cards are good enough.