It's important to learn about the legality of artwork reproduction services if you want to sell or use prints of your or someone else's work. Below are some copyright issues to keep in mind if you're thinking about reproducing artwork. Use these tips to make sure you stay on the right side of the law.
Copyright For Older Artists
According to Legal Zoom, a copyright lasts for an artist's lifetime, plus 70 years after the artist's death. If you're interested in artwork reproduction services for an artist who has passed away, you'll need to be aware of the copyright restrictions. Since a reproduction could potentially infringe upon an existing copyright, it's important to research the artist and their copyright status in order to avoid any potential legal issues. You could reach out to legal representatives of the artist, such as an estate or the Copyright Office.
Copyright For Contemporary Artists
For artists who are still alive, you'll need to get permission from the artist before reproducing their work. This can be done in writing or verbally. It's important to keep a record of your agreement, as it can be used in the event of a copyright dispute. If you're an artist, you should consider registering for copyright protection before reproducing your artwork. This will help to protect your rights as an artist and give you more control over how your work is used. Getting help from a copyright or contract lawyer is vital if you're in the business of artwork reproduction services.
Public Domain Status
In some cases, artwork can become part of the public domain after a certain period of time. If this is the case, it means that the work can be used without getting permission from the artist or having to pay for copyright fees. You should always double-check with legal resources to make sure you are using public domain artwork properly and not infringing on any existing copyrights.
Overall, it's important to understand the legal implications of artwork reproduction services if you plan on selling or using prints of your own or other people's work. Make sure to research copyright laws and contact an expert if necessary in order to protect yourself against any potential legal issues. If you need help, call us today!