Google v. Authors

Much has transpired in the case between Google and book authors. Back in 2009 it was determined that photographers are not authors (Techcrunch - 11/09 - Judge In Google Book Settlement Case Says Photographers Are Not Authors) and were refused access to the Google lawsuit.

On March 22, the judge who is overseeing the possible settlement between Google and the authors rejected their agreement. The prime reason the judge rejected the agreement was that it would have been a huge exemption to existing copyright law, in that Google's "registry" of copyrighted material they would have been collecting would have automatically been included unless the authors took action to opt out.

Fortunately, while the outcome of this case doesn't directly affect photographers, the results are insightful as professional photography organizations continue to press a seperate lawsuit against Google (more information here).

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Stock Artists Alliance Shuts Down

The Stock Artists Alliance, an organization dedicated to a focus on the rights and needs of stock photographers, shuts down in April, according to Roy Hsu, David Sanger and Betsy Reid, all former officers of SAA. Formed in 2001 to combat encroachments on revenue and rights that Getty Images was demanding of photographers, it grew to serve a broader audience as it expanded.

We wrote about SAA back in 2007 (Photo Business News - 9/07 - God Save the Alliance) when they were releasing a white paper on the rampant infringements that are ongoing on the internet. When Reid, whom I count among my friends, was hired by the Professional Photographers of America (SAA announcement, 3/09) I was concerned for the future of SAA, as she was really the cornerstone of the organization.

The demise of SAA parallels the demise of the stock photography in general. The money just isn't there for the creator, however, it seems, the corporate giants that the SAA was founded to fight, still sees money. If nothing else, they see an unending flow of images from all comers, most as doe-eyed contributors who have no concept of their rights, or the value of their images.

Sad.

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