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Minick Photography · 260 like this
January 18 at 11:19am ·
  • As a photographer and business owner I try to protect my intellectual property as much as possible. The internet allows me to display and promote my work easily. By doing so I could be a target of piracy and stolen IP no doubt. I also want to protect my clients. It's nearly impossible for small business owners to monitor infringements that can occur world wide. The Online Piracy Act and Protect IP Act that Congress is considering attempts to protect intellectual property, bolster enforcement of copyright laws, protect online creativity, shutdown rogue websites selling counterfeit goods among other things. It's main purpose from what I read is to stop copyright infringement by foreign web sites. Although at first I appreciated this attempt at protecting IP others are saying it could violate First Amendment rights, censor and possibly cripple the internet, damage freedom of speech, hinder innovation and on and on. That's not good for business either. This issue is a very complicated, double edged sword. I'm curious what photographers, video production houses, musicians and other artists think about this?
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      • Carolyn Caston Like most things, it's confusing. I haven't signed anything yet either. Like yourself I am concerned about protecting the intellectual property of our music. I wish there was someone I trust to discuss this very important issue for small and independent business owners like ourselves.
        January 18 at 4:44pm
      • Dennis McMahon Maybe we need to a stronger anti-piracy message - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALZZx1xmAzg
        January 19 at 5:33am
      • Dennis McMahon Some irony here ;-)
        January 19 at 5:35am · 1
      • Minick Photography ‎@Carolyn... The acts are very confusing and lengthy. I think things will get stalled for a while and hopefully then they can be tweaked or die. Something more needs to be done to protect our IP for sure. Certain industry special interest groups/lobbyists put this in motion without looking at the negative effects it would generate. I think consulting with a copyright attorney may be necessary at some point.
        January 19 at 7:18am
      • Carolyn Caston I hadn't thought of that, but it is a good idea. I wonder if there's much difference between music and photography. It's a very important issue and we should not be in the dark.
        January 19 at 2:14pm
      • Minick Photography
        Nope, its all intellectual property. I am not an IP/copyright expert by any means but basically your work is copyrighted when you create it..photos or music. What most people overlook or just don't do is have the work registered with the U...S copyright office. Without doing this you can't file for an infringement...or if you do it will be a tough sell. You can register your work at any time but doing it early on is best. I can send in an entire dvd with low res images and have them all copyrighted at once for about $50 I think. I would think music would be similar. This is why I would suggest contacting a copyright attorney to protect your work.See More
        January 20 at 9:36am
      • Carolyn Caston You're right. We register our work directly with the copyright office on line right away. Great chatting with you on line. I need new pictures. When I save some money and find someone to make up, I'll give you a call. Be blessed!
        January 20 at 5:24pm