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david bell
Member - 3 posts
We have taken a large number of photos at motorshows. We want to use some of these in our promotional material (including our website). Can we use the photos freely? One of our conacts has told us that if we take a photo of a Renault concept car for example, we have to obtain Renault's permission to use it.
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Philip Jeffs
Member - 299 posts
If Renault didn't want their car to be seen why display it at a motorshow?? Its in the public domain and there to be photographed unless there were notices to the contrary. How many 'concept cars' are pictured in motoring magazines as sneak previews of forthcoming cars? I doubt the magazine asked for permission to use them..
I believe any picture taken by you is owned by you, and as long as reasons for using it are legitimate I can't see an issue. No doubt the legal eagles at WPLN may say otherwise.
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John Salmon
Member - 10 posts
David,
To be safe, you should get permission.
First, there may be contractual issues. Did the conditions of entry to the motor show make any reference to photography? Were there any signs by the Renault stand that put conditions on photography? It is common at such events to impose conditions that require permission before using photographs for commercial purposes.
There may also be intellectual property issues. Renault will own the rights in its name, in its logo, brands and trade marks, and in the car itself. There will also be issues in respect of any sponsorship or third party branding which may appear on or around the car. The use of the photograph for commercial purposes (which will include promoting your business) will therefore be subject to these existing rights, and to avoid infringing these you should seek Renault's permission.
If you'd like to discuss this further, please call me on 0141 249 5411 or e-mail john.salmon@masons.com.
Regards,
John Salmon
Partner, Masons
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