Copyright and Intellectual Property Policy

Effective Date: [Insert Date]
Last Updated: [Insert Date]

Overview

This Copyright and Intellectual Property Policy outlines the ownership, protection, and use of intellectual property related to Leire Cavia Photography's work, website, and services. This policy applies to all visitors, clients, and users of our services.

Copyright Ownership

Original Photographs

• All photographs created by Leire Cavia Photography are original works protected by copyright
• Copyright ownership remains with Leire Cavia Photography unless explicitly transferred in writing
• This includes all images, regardless of the subject matter or commissioning party
• Copyright protection exists from the moment of creation

Website Content

All content on leirecavia.com is protected by copyright, including:

• Photography portfolio images
• Written descriptions and text
• Website design and layout
• Graphics and visual elements
• Logo and branding materials

Client Rights and Licensing

Usage Rights vs. Copyright

• Clients receive usage rights as specified in their contracts, not copyright ownership
• Usage rights are limited to the specific terms agreed upon in writing
• Copyright remains with Leire Cavia Photography unless specifically transferred

Types of Usage Rights

Personal Use License

• For personal, non-commercial use only
• Includes sharing on personal social media
• Does not include commercial use or resale

Commercial Use License

• For business and commercial purposes
• Specific usage terms defined in contract
• May include advertising, marketing, or promotional use
• Duration and scope specified in agreement

Editorial Use License

• For publication in magazines, newspapers, and editorial content
• Includes print and digital editorial use
• Subject to specific publication terms

Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive Rights

• Most licenses are non-exclusive unless specifically stated
• Exclusive rights prevent use by other parties during the exclusivity period
• Exclusive rights typically require higher fees

Portfolio and Promotional Use

Our Right to Display

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, we reserve the right to:

• Display images in our professional portfolio
• Use images for marketing and promotional purposes
• Submit images to photography competitions
• Share work samples with potential clients
• Post images on our professional social media accounts

Model and Property Releases

• Appropriate releases are obtained for commercial use
• Subjects have the right to privacy and image control
• Minors require parental consent
• Private property may require location releases

Prohibited Uses

The following uses are strictly prohibited without written permission:

Unauthorized Reproduction

• Downloading images from our website
• Copying or reproducing photographs
• Screenshots or screen captures of our work
• Using images beyond the scope of licensed rights

Commercial Infringement

• Selling or licensing our images to third parties
• Using images for purposes not covered in the license
• Sublicensing without explicit permission
• Creating derivative works without authorization

Digital Manipulation

• Altering, editing, or manipulating images without permission
• Removing watermarks or copyright notices
• Adding elements that change the original message or meaning
• Using images in misleading contexts

Watermarks and Copyright Notices

• Watermarks and copyright notices must not be removed or obscured
• Proper attribution must be maintained when using licensed images
• Copyright notices should read: "© [Year] Leire Cavia Photography"

DMCA Compliance

We respect the intellectual property rights of others and expect the same respect for our work.

Reporting Copyright Infringement

If you believe your copyrighted work has been infringed, please provide:

• Description of the copyrighted work
• Location of the allegedly infringing material
• Your contact information
• Statement of good faith belief that use is unauthorized
• Statement that information provided is accurate
• Physical or electronic signature

Send DMCA notices to: info@leirecavia.com

Counter-Notice Procedure

If you believe content was removed in error, you may file a counter-notice with:

• Identification of removed material
• Statement that removal was due to mistake or misidentification
• Consent to jurisdiction of federal court
• Physical or electronic signature

International Copyright Protection

Our work is protected internationally under:

• Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
• Universal Copyright Convention
• National copyright laws in countries of publication and display

Fair Use and Editorial Commentary

Limited use may be permitted under fair use doctrine for:

• Criticism and commentary
• News reporting
• Educational purposes
• Parody (with appropriate context)

However, fair use is evaluated case-by-case and does not automatically permit use.

Licensing and Permissions

Requesting Permissions

To license or use our work, please contact us with:

• Specific images requested
• Intended use and purpose
• Duration of use
• Geographic scope
• Print run or distribution numbers (if applicable)
• Budget and timeline

Licensing Fees

Fees are determined based on:

• Type and scope of usage
• Duration of license
• Geographic distribution
• Exclusivity requirements
• Client budget and project scale

Commissioned Work Policy

Work-for-Hire vs. Copyright Retention

• Standard practice is copyright retention by photographer
• Work-for-hire arrangements require specific written agreements
• Copyright transfer requires separate negotiation and compensation
• All terms must be clearly specified in contracts

Client Usage Rights

Commissioned clients typically receive:

• Rights specified in the contract
• Usage appropriate to the project scope
• Non-exclusive licensing unless otherwise agreed
• Rights to use images for intended business purposes

Enforcement

We actively monitor and enforce our intellectual property rights through:

• Regular monitoring of image use
• Legal action when necessary
• Cease and desist notices for infringement
• Collaboration with legal professionals

Updates to This Policy

This policy may be updated periodically. Changes will be posted on our website with the updated effective date.

Contact Information

For questions about copyright, licensing, or intellectual property matters:

Leire Cavia Photography
Email: info@leirecavia.com
Phone: +34 664 667 863
Website: leirecavia.com
Instagram: @leire.cavia

For licensing inquiries: info@leirecavia.com
For legal matters: info@leirecavia.com