Want to help protect the photographic industry and your profits?
Concerned about retailers reproducing your work?

Become a RECON Investigator and help PPA improve photo center copyright compliance!
 
The Retail Compliance Network (RECON) is a group of photographer "investigators" who visit local retailers offering photo finishing services or use online print services to see if they are complying with copyright law. PPA uses the results of these investigations to push the retailer toward greater compliance.

This updated RECON program will still focus on larger retail chains, where your clients are most likely to have access to printing and scanning services. Of course, we are always happy to coordinate “mini-missions,” focusing on regional or local retail chains.

Click here to read PPA Member Tim Schooler's RECON testimonial.

To become a RECON Investigator, you must:

• Be an active PPA member.
• Complete a program application.
• Have a basic understanding of U.S. Copyright Laws – If you don’t, we can help!
• Attend an online RECON Investigator Orientation.
• Accept the cost of missions assigned to you – Average costs are less than $3.
• Participate in half of all annual missions.   

If selected for upcoming missions, you will be invited to participate in an RECON Orientation Webinar. Upon successful completion of the orientation process, the missions will take just a few easy steps::

• PPA will send you information on the current RECON mission.
• Visit the retailer selected for the current RECON investigation with a clearly marked, copyright-protected print. The image does not have to be registered with the U.S. Copyright Office, but that certainly would be a bonus.
• Ask the retailer to make a copy of your print or digital file.
  • If they say no, politely thank them for their time and simply leave. Do not attempt to talk them into copying it.
  • If they do make the copy, be sure to keep the copy and your receipt as proof of the transaction.
• Regardless of the outcome of your visit, report your findings to RECON@ppa.com. Include any information you can provide about the staff person who assisted you and other details relating to your visit.

Why Participate?
As a member of the RECON program, you will be part of an effort to see that the rights of all photographers are respected. As an extension of the program, you will also:

• Have access to an instant network of photographers who are as passionate about copyright enforcement as you are.
• Gain unique insight into PPA’s ongoing efforts to improve copyright compliance through a quarterly e-newsletter.
• Receive recognition among your peers. A list of RECON Investigators by state will be available exclusively to fellow PPA members (as a means of preserving your identity to the general public).

Thanks to all who have participated in the RECON Program! Your work makes it possible to defend the copyrights of all photographers. With your ongoing support, we will continue protecting the rights of professional photographers.

Please contact us at RECON@ppa.com if you have any questions or comments regarding the RECON Program.  To become a RECON Investigator, click here to download the application.