{ "name": "Who owns a commissioned product photograph", "title": "Who owns a commissioned product photograph", "kind": "terms-board", "url": "https://sellproductimagestoai.com/datasets/commissioned-product-photo-ownership/", "csv": "https://sellproductimagestoai.com/datasets/commissioned-product-photo-ownership.csv", "markdown": "https://sellproductimagestoai.com/datasets/commissioned-product-photo-ownership/index.md", "computed_at": "2026-10-28", "license": "https://sellproductimagestoai.com/terms", "headline": "13 provisions of US and UK copyright law and guidance on who owns a photograph, each quoted from the statute or the authority's own page, read 28 October 2026.", "quotes": [ "13 provisions of US and UK copyright law and guidance on who owns a photograph, each quoted from the statute or the authority's own page, read 28 October 2026.", "Whose law it is, by provision: the United States 7 of 13, the United Kingdom 6 of 13 (13 provisions, read 28 October 2026).", "What the provision settles, by provision: when the employer or commissioner owns it from the start 5 of 13, who is the author and first owner 3 of 13, what form a transfer of ownership must take 3 of 13, that a photograph is protected 2 of 13 (13 provisions, read 28 October 2026).", "The rule, in its own words, by provision: stated 13 of 13 (13 provisions, read 28 October 2026)." ], "citation": "\"Who owns a commissioned product photograph\", updated 2026-10-28, https://sellproductimagestoai.com/datasets/commissioned-product-photo-ownership/.", "national": { "n": 13, "unit": "provisions", "documents": 13, "published_sources": 13, "named_sources": 13 }, "board": { "type": "clauses", "noun": { "one": "provision", "many": "provisions" }, "document": { "one": "page", "many": "pages" }, "fields": [ { "id": "jurisdiction", "label": "Whose law it is", "counts": { "us": 7, "gb": 6 }, "values": [ { "value": "us", "text": "the United States" }, { "value": "gb", "text": "the United Kingdom" } ] }, { "id": "topic", "label": "What the provision settles", "counts": { "work-for-hire": 5, "first-owner": 3, "transfer": 3, "protection": 2 }, "values": [ { "value": "protection", "text": "that a photograph is protected" }, { "value": "first-owner", "text": "who is the author and first owner" }, { "value": "work-for-hire", "text": "when the employer or commissioner owns it from the start" }, { "value": "transfer", "text": "what form a transfer of ownership must take" } ] }, { "id": "rule", "label": "The rule, in its own words", "counts": { "stated": 13 }, "values": [ { "value": "stated", "text": "stated" } ], "clause": true } ], "lead": { "type": "count", "field": null, "value": null, "n": 13, "of": 13, "label": "Provisions read in US and UK law" }, "vendors": [ { "name": "17 U.S.C. 101, commissioned works (Cornell LII copy)", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "us", "text": "the United States", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S. Code section 101", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/101", "value": "us", "quote": "(2) a work specially ordered or commissioned for use as a contribution to a" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "work-for-hire", "text": "when the employer or commissioner owns it from the start", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S. Code section 101", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/101", "value": "work-for-hire", "quote": "(2) a work specially ordered or commissioned for use as a contribution to a" } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "(2) a work specially ordered or commissioned for use as a contribution to a", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S. Code section 101", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/101", "value": "stated", "quote": "(2) a work specially ordered or commissioned for use as a contribution to a" } ] } } }, { "name": "17 U.S.C. 101, definition of a work made for hire", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "us", "text": "the United States", "documents": [ { "document": "Title 17 chapter 1 (US Copyright Office)", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html", "value": "us", "quote": "(1) a work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment; or" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "work-for-hire", "text": "when the employer or commissioner owns it from the start", "documents": [ { "document": "Title 17 chapter 1 (US Copyright Office)", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html", "value": "work-for-hire", "quote": "(1) a work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment; or" } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "(1) a work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment; or", "documents": [ { "document": "Title 17 chapter 1 (US Copyright Office)", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html", "value": "stated", "quote": "(1) a work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment; or" } ] } } }, { "name": "17 U.S.C. 201(a), initial ownership", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "us", "text": "the United States", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S. Code section 201", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "value": "us", "quote": "Copyright in a work protected under this title vests initially in the author or authors of the work." } ] }, "topic": { "value": "first-owner", "text": "who is the author and first owner", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S. Code section 201", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "value": "first-owner", "quote": "Copyright in a work protected under this title vests initially in the author or authors of the work." } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "Copyright in a work protected under this title vests initially in the author or authors…", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S. Code section 201", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "value": "stated", "quote": "Copyright in a work protected under this title vests initially in the author or authors of the work." } ] } } }, { "name": "17 U.S.C. 201(b), works made for hire", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "us", "text": "the United States", "documents": [ { "document": "Title 17 chapter 2 (US Copyright Office)", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap2.html", "value": "us", "quote": "In the case of a work made for hire, the employer or other person for whom the work was prepared is considered the author for purposes of this title" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "work-for-hire", "text": "when the employer or commissioner owns it from the start", "documents": [ { "document": "Title 17 chapter 2 (US Copyright Office)", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap2.html", "value": "work-for-hire", "quote": "the employer or other person for whom the work was prepared is considered the author for purposes of this title" } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "unless the parties have expressly agreed otherwise in a written instrument signed by…", "documents": [ { "document": "Title 17 chapter 2 (US Copyright Office)", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap2.html", "value": "stated", "quote": "unless the parties have expressly agreed otherwise in a written instrument signed by them, owns all of the rights comprised in the copyright" } ] } } }, { "name": "17 U.S.C. 204(a), transfers in writing", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "us", "text": "the United States", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S. Code section 204", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204", "value": "us", "quote": "A transfer of copyright ownership, other than by operation of law, is not valid unless an instrument of conveyance" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "transfer", "text": "what form a transfer of ownership must take", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S. Code section 204", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204", "value": "transfer", "quote": "A transfer of copyright ownership, other than by operation of law, is not valid unless an instrument of conveyance, or a note or memorandum of the transfer, is in writing and signed by the owner of the rights conveyed" } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "A transfer of copyright ownership, other than by operation of law, is not valid unless an…", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S. Code section 204", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204", "value": "stated", "quote": "A transfer of copyright ownership, other than by operation of law, is not valid unless an instrument of conveyance, or a note or memorandum of the transfer, is in writing and signed by the owner of the rights conveyed or such owner’s duly authorized agent." } ] } } }, { "name": "CDPA 1988 s.11(2), employees' works", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "gb", "text": "the United Kingdom", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 11", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "value": "gb", "quote": "is made by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the first owner of any copyright in the work subject to any agreement to the contrary." } ] }, "topic": { "value": "work-for-hire", "text": "when the employer or commissioner owns it from the start", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 11", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "value": "work-for-hire", "quote": "is made by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the first owner of any copyright in the work subject to any agreement to the contrary." } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "is made by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the first owner…", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 11", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "value": "stated", "quote": "is made by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the first owner of any copyright in the work subject to any agreement to the contrary." } ] } } }, { "name": "CDPA 1988 s.4, photographs as artistic works", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "gb", "text": "the United Kingdom", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 4", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/4", "value": "gb", "quote": "a graphic work, photograph, sculpture or collage, irrespective of artistic quality," } ] }, "topic": { "value": "protection", "text": "that a photograph is protected", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 4", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/4", "value": "protection", "quote": "a graphic work, photograph, sculpture or collage, irrespective of artistic quality," } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "“photograph” means a recording of light or other radiation on any medium on which an…", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 4", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/4", "value": "stated", "quote": "“photograph” means a recording of light or other radiation on any medium on which an image is produced or from which an image may by any means be produced, and which is not part of a film;" } ] } } }, { "name": "CDPA 1988 s.9, the author", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "gb", "text": "the United Kingdom", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 9", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/9", "value": "gb", "quote": "In this Part “author”, in relation to a work, means the person who creates it." } ] }, "topic": { "value": "first-owner", "text": "who is the author and first owner", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 9", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/9", "value": "first-owner", "quote": "In this Part “author”, in relation to a work, means the person who creates it." } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "In this Part “author”, in relation to a work, means the person who creates it.", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 9", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/9", "value": "stated", "quote": "In this Part “author”, in relation to a work, means the person who creates it." } ] } } }, { "name": "CDPA 1988 s.90(3), assignment in writing", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "gb", "text": "the United Kingdom", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 90", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "value": "gb", "quote": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor." } ] }, "topic": { "value": "transfer", "text": "what form a transfer of ownership must take", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 90", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "value": "transfer", "quote": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor." } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on…", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 90", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "value": "stated", "quote": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor." } ] } } }, { "name": "CDPA 1988 s.91, future copyright", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "gb", "text": "the United Kingdom", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 91", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/91", "value": "gb", "quote": "Where by an agreement made in relation to future copyright, and signed by or on behalf of the prospective owner of the copyright" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "transfer", "text": "what form a transfer of ownership must take", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 91", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/91", "value": "transfer", "quote": "the prospective owner purports to assign the future copyright (wholly or partially) to another person" } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "Where by an agreement made in relation to future copyright, and signed by or on behalf of…", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 91", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/91", "value": "stated", "quote": "Where by an agreement made in relation to future copyright, and signed by or on behalf of the prospective owner of the copyright, the prospective owner purports to assign the future copyright (wholly or partially) to another person" } ] } } }, { "name": "Circular 30, commissioned works", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "us", "text": "the United States", "documents": [ { "document": "Circular 30: works made for hire (US Copyright Office)", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf", "value": "us", "quote": "A specially ordered or commissioned work is considered a work made for hire if it satisfies all of the" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "work-for-hire", "text": "when the employer or commissioner owns it from the start", "documents": [ { "document": "Circular 30: works made for hire (US Copyright Office)", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf", "value": "work-for-hire", "quote": "A specially ordered or commissioned work is considered a work made for hire if it satisfies all of the" } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "1. The work must fall within one of the nine categories of works listed above that are…", "documents": [ { "document": "Circular 30: works made for hire (US Copyright Office)", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf", "value": "stated", "quote": "1. The work must fall within one of the nine categories of works listed above that are eligible to" } ] } } }, { "name": "Copyright Office guidance for photographers", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "us", "text": "the United States", "documents": [ { "document": "What photographers should know about copyright", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/engage/photographers/", "value": "us", "quote": "Generally, the author and initial copyright owner of a photograph is the person who “shoots” or “takes” the photo." } ] }, "topic": { "value": "first-owner", "text": "who is the author and first owner", "documents": [ { "document": "What photographers should know about copyright", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/engage/photographers/", "value": "first-owner", "quote": "Generally, the author and initial copyright owner of a photograph is the person who “shoots” or “takes” the photo." } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "One limited exception to this rule is when a photograph is created as a “work made for…", "documents": [ { "document": "What photographers should know about copyright", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/engage/photographers/", "value": "stated", "quote": "One limited exception to this rule is when a photograph is created as a “work made for hire.”" } ] } } }, { "name": "GOV.UK, how copyright protects your work", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "gb", "text": "the United Kingdom", "documents": [ { "document": "How copyright protects your work (GOV.UK)", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/copyright/who-owns-copyright", "value": "gb", "quote": "You get copyright protection automatically - you do not have to apply or pay a fee. There is not a register of copyright works in the UK." } ] }, "topic": { "value": "protection", "text": "that a photograph is protected", "documents": [ { "document": "How copyright protects your work (GOV.UK)", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/copyright/who-owns-copyright", "value": "protection", "quote": "You get copyright protection automatically - you do not have to apply or pay a fee." } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "You get copyright protection automatically - you do not have to apply or pay a fee. There…", "documents": [ { "document": "How copyright protects your work (GOV.UK)", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/copyright/who-owns-copyright", "value": "stated", "quote": "You get copyright protection automatically - you do not have to apply or pay a fee. There is not a register of copyright works in the UK." } ] } } } ] }, "subject_kind": "provision", "rows": [ { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 101, commissioned works (Cornell LII copy)", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/101", "document": "17 U.S. Code section 101", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "us", "answer_text": "the United States", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-03", "quote": "(2) a work specially ordered or commissioned for use as a contribution to a", "text_sha256": "60dcfb43762ed45147929d0140eadffbd82ff767734793408a6790895e06e2c1" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 101, commissioned works (Cornell LII copy)", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/101", "document": "17 U.S. Code section 101", "question": "topic", "answer": "work-for-hire", "answer_text": "when the employer or commissioner owns it from the start", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-03", "quote": "(2) a work specially ordered or commissioned for use as a contribution to a", "text_sha256": "60dcfb43762ed45147929d0140eadffbd82ff767734793408a6790895e06e2c1" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 101, commissioned works (Cornell LII copy)", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/101", "document": "17 U.S. Code section 101", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "(2) a work specially ordered or commissioned for use as a contribution to a", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-03", "quote": "(2) a work specially ordered or commissioned for use as a contribution to a", "text_sha256": "60dcfb43762ed45147929d0140eadffbd82ff767734793408a6790895e06e2c1" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 101, definition of a work made for hire", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html", "document": "Title 17 chapter 1 (US Copyright Office)", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "us", "answer_text": "the United States", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "(1) a work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment; or", "text_sha256": "ec93a08f2aef78393077b73184d250681c3181f69997fab25b56dc2610e83306" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 101, definition of a work made for hire", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html", "document": "Title 17 chapter 1 (US Copyright Office)", "question": "topic", "answer": "work-for-hire", "answer_text": "when the employer or commissioner owns it from the start", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "(1) a work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment; or", "text_sha256": "ec93a08f2aef78393077b73184d250681c3181f69997fab25b56dc2610e83306" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 101, definition of a work made for hire", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html", "document": "Title 17 chapter 1 (US Copyright Office)", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "(1) a work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment; or", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "(1) a work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment; or", "text_sha256": "ec93a08f2aef78393077b73184d250681c3181f69997fab25b56dc2610e83306" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 201(a), initial ownership", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "document": "17 U.S. Code section 201", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "us", "answer_text": "the United States", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "Copyright in a work protected under this title vests initially in the author or authors of the work.", "text_sha256": "cab0c9c7ed3688beed0db73f0c5c58c3a4f0fda472de9440566080dd0a562afd" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 201(a), initial ownership", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "document": "17 U.S. Code section 201", "question": "topic", "answer": "first-owner", "answer_text": "who is the author and first owner", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "Copyright in a work protected under this title vests initially in the author or authors of the work.", "text_sha256": "cab0c9c7ed3688beed0db73f0c5c58c3a4f0fda472de9440566080dd0a562afd" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 201(a), initial ownership", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "document": "17 U.S. Code section 201", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "Copyright in a work protected under this title vests initially in the author or authors…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "Copyright in a work protected under this title vests initially in the author or authors of the work.", "text_sha256": "cab0c9c7ed3688beed0db73f0c5c58c3a4f0fda472de9440566080dd0a562afd" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 201(b), works made for hire", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap2.html", "document": "Title 17 chapter 2 (US Copyright Office)", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "us", "answer_text": "the United States", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "In the case of a work made for hire, the employer or other person for whom the work was prepared is considered the author for purposes of this title", "text_sha256": "2544f1ba58db91169566d33e90b325f88966edd64a51d49edacf1380f2047225" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 201(b), works made for hire", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap2.html", "document": "Title 17 chapter 2 (US Copyright Office)", "question": "topic", "answer": "work-for-hire", "answer_text": "when the employer or commissioner owns it from the start", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "the employer or other person for whom the work was prepared is considered the author for purposes of this title", "text_sha256": "2544f1ba58db91169566d33e90b325f88966edd64a51d49edacf1380f2047225" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 201(b), works made for hire", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap2.html", "document": "Title 17 chapter 2 (US Copyright Office)", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "unless the parties have expressly agreed otherwise in a written instrument signed by…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "unless the parties have expressly agreed otherwise in a written instrument signed by them, owns all of the rights comprised in the copyright", "text_sha256": "2544f1ba58db91169566d33e90b325f88966edd64a51d49edacf1380f2047225" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 204(a), transfers in writing", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204", "document": "17 U.S. Code section 204", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "us", "answer_text": "the United States", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "A transfer of copyright ownership, other than by operation of law, is not valid unless an instrument of conveyance", "text_sha256": "a6a7fe3feb2fbdcfd15c378984f41344ff46c9a49c7867ee02d9aad8e3de488b" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 204(a), transfers in writing", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204", "document": "17 U.S. Code section 204", "question": "topic", "answer": "transfer", "answer_text": "what form a transfer of ownership must take", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "A transfer of copyright ownership, other than by operation of law, is not valid unless an instrument of conveyance, or a note or memorandum of the transfer, is in writing and signed by the owner of the rights conveyed", "text_sha256": "a6a7fe3feb2fbdcfd15c378984f41344ff46c9a49c7867ee02d9aad8e3de488b" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 204(a), transfers in writing", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204", "document": "17 U.S. Code section 204", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "A transfer of copyright ownership, other than by operation of law, is not valid unless an…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "A transfer of copyright ownership, other than by operation of law, is not valid unless an instrument of conveyance, or a note or memorandum of the transfer, is in writing and signed by the owner of the rights conveyed or such owner’s duly authorized agent.", "text_sha256": "a6a7fe3feb2fbdcfd15c378984f41344ff46c9a49c7867ee02d9aad8e3de488b" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.11(2), employees' works", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 11", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "gb", "answer_text": "the United Kingdom", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "is made by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the first owner of any copyright in the work subject to any agreement to the contrary.", "text_sha256": "e1b10366ea7821c3e9f50c97ec3bb359eab602e47d2d5704f25ace3596269c92" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.11(2), employees' works", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 11", "question": "topic", "answer": "work-for-hire", "answer_text": "when the employer or commissioner owns it from the start", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "is made by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the first owner of any copyright in the work subject to any agreement to the contrary.", "text_sha256": "e1b10366ea7821c3e9f50c97ec3bb359eab602e47d2d5704f25ace3596269c92" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.11(2), employees' works", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 11", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "is made by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the first owner…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "is made by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the first owner of any copyright in the work subject to any agreement to the contrary.", "text_sha256": "e1b10366ea7821c3e9f50c97ec3bb359eab602e47d2d5704f25ace3596269c92" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.4, photographs as artistic works", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/4", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 4", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "gb", "answer_text": "the United Kingdom", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "a graphic work, photograph, sculpture or collage, irrespective of artistic quality,", "text_sha256": "38e6ece563f3afa55e877ef14fddd57d8fe159505988465e914d7cae428f78ee" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.4, photographs as artistic works", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/4", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 4", "question": "topic", "answer": "protection", "answer_text": "that a photograph is protected", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "a graphic work, photograph, sculpture or collage, irrespective of artistic quality,", "text_sha256": "38e6ece563f3afa55e877ef14fddd57d8fe159505988465e914d7cae428f78ee" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.4, photographs as artistic works", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/4", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 4", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "“photograph” means a recording of light or other radiation on any medium on which an…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "“photograph” means a recording of light or other radiation on any medium on which an image is produced or from which an image may by any means be produced, and which is not part of a film;", "text_sha256": "38e6ece563f3afa55e877ef14fddd57d8fe159505988465e914d7cae428f78ee" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.9, the author", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/9", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 9", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "gb", "answer_text": "the United Kingdom", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "In this Part “author”, in relation to a work, means the person who creates it.", "text_sha256": "8d6738e9c814c688f367163a99ea800089043cde50594c631bdb29a557f24ac2" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.9, the author", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/9", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 9", "question": "topic", "answer": "first-owner", "answer_text": "who is the author and first owner", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "In this Part “author”, in relation to a work, means the person who creates it.", "text_sha256": "8d6738e9c814c688f367163a99ea800089043cde50594c631bdb29a557f24ac2" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.9, the author", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/9", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 9", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "In this Part “author”, in relation to a work, means the person who creates it.", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "In this Part “author”, in relation to a work, means the person who creates it.", "text_sha256": "8d6738e9c814c688f367163a99ea800089043cde50594c631bdb29a557f24ac2" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.90(3), assignment in writing", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 90", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "gb", "answer_text": "the United Kingdom", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor.", "text_sha256": "41340d9e7618d2270c113f4d107791882583cfacea0be8e2519d75774b126a0b" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.90(3), assignment in writing", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 90", "question": "topic", "answer": "transfer", "answer_text": "what form a transfer of ownership must take", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor.", "text_sha256": "41340d9e7618d2270c113f4d107791882583cfacea0be8e2519d75774b126a0b" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.90(3), assignment in writing", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 90", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor.", "text_sha256": "41340d9e7618d2270c113f4d107791882583cfacea0be8e2519d75774b126a0b" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.91, future copyright", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/91", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 91", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "gb", "answer_text": "the United Kingdom", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "Where by an agreement made in relation to future copyright, and signed by or on behalf of the prospective owner of the copyright", "text_sha256": "8c862fb125218a1fe199af732edac310c49483addb7488982ccb3ac944c8bf11" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.91, future copyright", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/91", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 91", "question": "topic", "answer": "transfer", "answer_text": "what form a transfer of ownership must take", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "the prospective owner purports to assign the future copyright (wholly or partially) to another person", "text_sha256": "8c862fb125218a1fe199af732edac310c49483addb7488982ccb3ac944c8bf11" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.91, future copyright", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/91", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 91", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "Where by an agreement made in relation to future copyright, and signed by or on behalf of…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "Where by an agreement made in relation to future copyright, and signed by or on behalf of the prospective owner of the copyright, the prospective owner purports to assign the future copyright (wholly or partially) to another person", "text_sha256": "8c862fb125218a1fe199af732edac310c49483addb7488982ccb3ac944c8bf11" }, { "subject": "Circular 30, commissioned works", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf", "document": "Circular 30: works made for hire (US Copyright Office)", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "us", "answer_text": "the United States", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "A specially ordered or commissioned work is considered a work made for hire if it satisfies all of the", "text_sha256": "12317fd356057c1eb8c378023e4208eb73ca17a627f92720e8e7d30193ca44e7" }, { "subject": "Circular 30, commissioned works", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf", "document": "Circular 30: works made for hire (US Copyright Office)", "question": "topic", "answer": "work-for-hire", "answer_text": "when the employer or commissioner owns it from the start", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "A specially ordered or commissioned work is considered a work made for hire if it satisfies all of the", "text_sha256": "12317fd356057c1eb8c378023e4208eb73ca17a627f92720e8e7d30193ca44e7" }, { "subject": "Circular 30, commissioned works", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf", "document": "Circular 30: works made for hire (US Copyright Office)", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "1. The work must fall within one of the nine categories of works listed above that are…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "1. The work must fall within one of the nine categories of works listed above that are eligible to", "text_sha256": "12317fd356057c1eb8c378023e4208eb73ca17a627f92720e8e7d30193ca44e7" }, { "subject": "Copyright Office guidance for photographers", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/engage/photographers/", "document": "What photographers should know about copyright", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "us", "answer_text": "the United States", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "Generally, the author and initial copyright owner of a photograph is the person who “shoots” or “takes” the photo.", "text_sha256": "6f355351bb8314ca751faff2e77fa061c7405051cc5b69d4c03fbea12e5e9e4d" }, { "subject": "Copyright Office guidance for photographers", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/engage/photographers/", "document": "What photographers should know about copyright", "question": "topic", "answer": "first-owner", "answer_text": "who is the author and first owner", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "Generally, the author and initial copyright owner of a photograph is the person who “shoots” or “takes” the photo.", "text_sha256": "6f355351bb8314ca751faff2e77fa061c7405051cc5b69d4c03fbea12e5e9e4d" }, { "subject": "Copyright Office guidance for photographers", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/engage/photographers/", "document": "What photographers should know about copyright", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "One limited exception to this rule is when a photograph is created as a “work made for…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "One limited exception to this rule is when a photograph is created as a “work made for hire.”", "text_sha256": "6f355351bb8314ca751faff2e77fa061c7405051cc5b69d4c03fbea12e5e9e4d" }, { "subject": "GOV.UK, how copyright protects your work", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/copyright/who-owns-copyright", "document": "How copyright protects your work (GOV.UK)", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "gb", "answer_text": "the United Kingdom", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "You get copyright protection automatically - you do not have to apply or pay a fee. There is not a register of copyright works in the UK.", "text_sha256": "57a2a74a084d423356aa42079086d9f1ce70a5ecc2f92b20d44165027f864493" }, { "subject": "GOV.UK, how copyright protects your work", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/copyright/who-owns-copyright", "document": "How copyright protects your work (GOV.UK)", "question": "topic", "answer": "protection", "answer_text": "that a photograph is protected", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "You get copyright protection automatically - you do not have to apply or pay a fee.", "text_sha256": "57a2a74a084d423356aa42079086d9f1ce70a5ecc2f92b20d44165027f864493" }, { "subject": "GOV.UK, how copyright protects your work", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/copyright/who-owns-copyright", "document": "How copyright protects your work (GOV.UK)", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "You get copyright protection automatically - you do not have to apply or pay a fee. There…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "You get copyright protection automatically - you do not have to apply or pay a fee. There is not a register of copyright works in the UK.", "text_sha256": "57a2a74a084d423356aa42079086d9f1ce70a5ecc2f92b20d44165027f864493" } ], "sources": [ { "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap2.html", "label": "US Copyright Office, Title 17 chapter 2: copyright ownership and transfer", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes and copyright authority pages on who owns a photograph", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html", "label": "US Copyright Office, Title 17 chapter 1: subject matter and scope (s.101 definitions)", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes and copyright authority pages on who owns a photograph", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf", "label": "US Copyright Office, Circular 30: works made for hire", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes and copyright authority pages on who owns a photograph", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/engage/photographers/", "label": "US Copyright Office, What photographers should know about copyright", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes and copyright authority pages on who owns a photograph", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/101", "label": "17 U.S. Code section 101 (Cornell LII)", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes and copyright authority pages on who owns a photograph", "class": "secondary", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "label": "17 U.S. Code section 201 (Cornell LII)", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes and copyright authority pages on who owns a photograph", "class": "secondary", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204", "label": "17 U.S. Code section 204 (Cornell LII)", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes and copyright authority pages on who owns a photograph", "class": "secondary", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/4", "label": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 4 (artistic works)", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes and copyright authority pages on who owns a photograph", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/9", "label": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 9 (authorship)", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes and copyright authority pages on who owns a photograph", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "label": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 11 (first ownership)", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes and copyright authority pages on who owns a photograph", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "label": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 90 (assignment and licences)", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes and copyright authority pages on who owns a photograph", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/91", "label": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 91 (prospective ownership)", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes and copyright authority pages on who owns a photograph", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.gov.uk/copyright/who-owns-copyright", "label": "GOV.UK, Copyright: who owns copyright", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes and copyright authority pages on who owns a photograph", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" } ], "methodology": "Each provision's own statutes and copyright authority pages on who owns a photograph were read through estate-fetch and stored whole (sha256 on every row). For every page, three questions were answered from its own words: whose law it is, what the provision settles, the rule, in its own words. Every stated answer carries the sentence it rests on, checked against the stored text; 'not stated' means the page read does not address the question. A provision with several pages reads 'varies' where they disagree. 13 provisions, 13 pages.", "embed": "
13 provisions of US and UK copyright law and guidance on who owns a photograph, each quoted from the statute or the authority's own page, read 28 October 2026.
Who owns a commissioned product photograph, sellproductimagestoai.com
" }