Displaying Photographs in Framed Display

[Ian]

Hi

I am looking for some advice regarding displaying sports photographs and images of the front covers of football programmes.

If a bought a photograph from someone say on ebay (and there are loads of sellers with many selling similar if not the same photos) and there is no mention of copyright on the description would i be able to (a) mount that photo, frame it and then resell or (b) would i be able to take a copy of it then display it as in (a). Many of these photos are from the 60s/70s.

Also i have 1000s of old football programmes again dating back to 60s/70s. Would i be able to scan the front cover only (which gives the details of whose playing who, date, competition etc) and print it to display with the photograph and then to sell.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Many thanks

Ian

[CopyrightAid]

HI Ian

You would be free to use images that you are the copyright owner of. That is to say photos that you took yourself, or where the photographer has transferred the copyright to you.
You are of course also free to use the images if you have the agreement (this should really be in writing) of the copyright owner - i.e. a licensing agreement or similar contract.

Regarding the Ebay photos - if the person selling the image IS the copyright owner, (i.e. they took the photo) AND they are transferring copyright to you as part of the sale, - or explicitly license you to use the photos as you wish - then you can use it commercially as you intend. This should be detailed in a written agreement/contract when you buy and is something you should check with the seller.

If you are not the copyright owner, and do not have permission of the copyright owner, you will be in breach of copyright and run the risk of legal action if the copyright owner discovers the infringement.

Similarly with the old football programs, you would need permission of the copyright owner - normally this is arranged through the publisher.

The only exception is if you are selling the original program, and simply using the scanned cover to illustrate the item you are selling (the same way that Amazon would display the cover of a book they are selling).

Hope that helps...

[Ian]

Hi

many thanks for the advice. I have since asked a couple of sellers about ownership of photos and its like hitting a brick wall...so i guess their not!

thanks again
Ian