Q: I created and publicly displayed art. A friend volunteered to take photos. Who owns the rights to use the photos?
This artwork displayed at The Maker Faire. I specifically recruited my friend to act as documentary photographer and granted him an assistant pass to the Maker "me" to help with the event. He is now trying to get me to sign an agreement that limits my use to only academic presentations. Do I retain control as artist/ author of the artwork, and the fact that he was 'hired' or volunteered for a specific role as assistant to the artist as a photographer? This artwork is also my graduate thesis project so there is a year of documentation to its authorship. Can he limit or control the use of these photos? Thanks any legal advice would be great.
A: It depends on the written agreements between you and the artistry of the photos. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website, www.AEesq.com. I practice law in CA, NY, MA, and DC in the following areas of law: Business & Contracts, Criminal Defense, Divorce & Child Custody, and Education Law. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any Attorney-Client relationship.
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