Scanners. Photo-Quality Printers. Copy Stations. Copying a professionally created image has never been easier. That's why PPA works tirelessly to protect your copyrights and other legal concerns through education, advocacy, and when necessary, through litigation.

Copyright is a property right. Under the Federal Copyright Act of 1976 (effective January 1, 1978 and amended when the USA joined the Berne Convention in 1989), photographs are protected by copyright from the moment of creation.

The photographer is the first line of defense in copyright protection. PPA advises and encourages members to:

• Mark your prints as copyrighted. This can be done on the front or back of a print. While it is not required by law (your images are protected from the moment of creation), it is a wise step.
• Let your customers know how to contact you—PPA Members may use their Member ID number and PPA's number, 800-786-6277. We regularly help consumers find the creator of an image.
• Educate and inform your customers that images are protected by Federal Copyright Law.
• Use the "Copyright Statement," included as a reproducible slick in every PPA Membership Kit. This can be posted in your studio and inserted into each print order.
• Include a statement about copyright in your contract or other sales agreements. Infringements can then be dealt with as a contract violation, not just as a Federal Copyright case.
• Consider including a statement with every order that reminds your client that photographs are protected by copyright and that the customer agrees that reprints will only be ordered from the original photographer or with the photographer's permission.

At the local level, you may want to express your concerns to store managers and inform them about copyright requirements. We suggest that this be done as a "we think you should know" type of visit to avoid possible confrontation. You can also contact your local Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau, etc., with an emphasis on education, and arrange for news releases to be used in your local papers alerting consumers to copyright law.

Make sure that a local attorney reviews changes made to your contracts. Contract law varies from state to state.

If your work has been copied and your copyrights infringed upon, contact PPA. Be prepared to give us specific information concerning the case. This is a PPA member-only service.