Usage rights define who may use a photo or video, for what, for how long and where. The creator grants them to the client by contract.
Under German copyright law the photographer or videographer remains the author of the work. What is transferred is not the copyright itself but usage rights. These can be simple or exclusive and limited in content, time and territory, for example social media only, one year only or Germany only.
What exactly is agreed is set out in the quote or contract. If there is no clear rule, the scope follows the purpose of the commission, which creates uncertainty in a dispute. That is why it pays to state the usage rights explicitly.
Trade fair photos and videos are often used far more widely than first planned: on the website, in ads, in the catalogue, by distributors abroad, in presentations and in next year's show newsletter. If the rights cover social media only, every further use means asking again or paying extra.
Before booking, check whether the rights are unlimited in time and territory, whether they include advertising and print and whether you may pass the images on to partners, dealers and the press. Ask whether the author has to be credited. Important: usage rights in the photo do not replace the rights of the people shown. Anyone recognisable has their own rights to their image, which need separate attention. This text is not legal advice.
In practice the question of usage rights usually comes up only when a dealer asks for the pictures for a catalogue or an agency wants to build an ad from them. It helps if the answer is already in writing by then.
At Pixer unlimited usage rights are included in every package, for photos and video, without limits on time or territory. You may use the material on every channel and pass it on to partners. The same applies to shots of your stand (booth) that we take on the build-up day or at additional appointments.
If the usage rights allow it, yes. At Pixer passing them on to partners is included.
That depends on the agreement. It is best to settle crediting in the quote.
Want to use your photos and video without restrictions? Send us the fair and dates; unlimited usage rights are included in every package.
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