Or: Then you become a social superhero
By Annelise Lykke Schmidt and Tabark M. Jasim, September 2023
IN DENMARK, the Copyright Act dances on its own judicial tango floor, protecting artistic and literary works as if they were royal jewels. There are no strict formalities here, so when you see an image online, you might as well imagine it encased in an invisible glass cage and guarded by an army of digitized soldiers wearing bearskin hats.
The images that really grab your attention and make you say “Wow, my business needs that!” is probably the result of an epic creative process. They are works of art and they are protected by the law like the invincible superhero that only stops protecting after 70 years after the death of the creator. Yes, even superheroes have to retire.
Now, if you stumble upon footage from surveillance cameras or photos from a game of football where no one bothered to think creatively, they are still protected as “photographic masterpieces.” They are like the funny friend who is always on the go but only stays funny for 50 years from the time of their “creation.” Yes, even fun friends get tired one day.
BUT WHY abide by these copyright rules, you might ask?
Well, let me give some good reasons:
- Because artists are like queens and kings: Respect copyright and you respect those who create magical works of art. They love to be treated like royalty and you can say that you are their loyal court jester
- Legal dramas are expensive: Copyright infringement can lead to expensive lawsuits and fines. It’s like “peeing in your pants to keep warm”, it warms nicely at first, but becomes terribly cold and boring afterwards.
- Protect your own creations: By respecting copyright, you also protect your own creative masterpieces. You don’t want someone to steal your unique creation of a superhero car made from old-fashioned soda cans, do you?
- Economic value and oatmeal: Copyright also protects the economic value of creative works. Artists cannot live on oatmeal alone – they need payment for their work.
HOW to become a community superhero:
Complying with copyright is like wearing a superhero cape of ethics and social responsibility. You help maintain a creative and just society where artists can play with their crayons in peace.
SO REMEMBER, when using images in your business, it’s like navigating a fun obstacle course. Respect copyright, avoid legal dramas, and let’s all live happily ever after creative works of art.
AND: The world is full of treasures of images waiting to be discovered. So the next time you sit and rack your brain to find the perfect image for your article or project, remember that there are many places – providers – of images that you can legally use. Some you have to pay for – others you don’t. You don’t have to create all your photos yourself. So go hunting and make use of the creative treasure trove that is right in front of you on the internet.
