Question on Photo Release forms and photo ownership

[RalphXJ]

Hello all. Have a question about Photo Release stuff. I know when shooting models/people, you need to get a release to use their image. My question, how does it work when taking photo's of vehicals. In my case, Jeeps in offroading situations.

Would a release be needed for an images of other people's Jeeps? What about if its a company's Jeep with their logo's on it?

For example a picture of Personal Jeep like this:


Or a company Jeep like this:


I work for an major Jeep parts company, and those pictures were taken on a "media run event" in Moab this spring that we sponsored, so everyone on the trail that day knew we would be taking pictures, and they were all our venders. Although I have tons of other pictures from other trail rides (both work events, and personal trips) I'm just wondering about A: Us using those photo's in our catalog without the Jeep owners expecting to get anything in return, and B: and that I can use them to possibley sell them as Stock Image without the owners getting upset?

Thoughts?

[RalphXJ]

Anyone?

[heartseye]

Laws vary, Ralph....depends on where you are. Generally though, if you are selling an image for personal gain then you need releases. People AND product/brand releases as well.
You also need to see if you even own the copyright in light of who you work for........I'm no lawyer, but I suggest you talk to one......cheers...Bob

[RalphXJ]

Thanks!

I already talked to them about the ownership between myself and my company. I was on the trip for other reasons (working the company booth at the trade show) and was using my own personal equiptment on the trails eariler in the week. SO the photo's are mine, althought they are able to use them whenever they want.

As for the vehicals, I would need a release to use them if they are personal and business owned? Does anyone have an examples of what a release like this should look like, and what info it should include?

Oh ya, I'm in Ohio.

[heartseye]

and I am in Western Canada.......so the laws are certainly different....Perhaps visit www.ppa.com and see if there is anything helpful there, or your State association of the PPA...cheers...Bob

[dsp]

The suggestion to talk to a lawyer is a good one. These things tend to get a little tricky and there are a lot of opinions out there. That said, you need a property release if the subject, in this case the Jeeps, can be uniquely identified. Issues with company names get even more complicated when you start to consider trademarks. A lot of companies would be less than pleased to see you make money off of their trademark. It's always a safe bet to get a release, it beats dealing with potential conflict later on.

Cool shots by the way...

[RalphXJ]

Cool, looks like I'll have to have a chat with a Lawyer.

I have serveral hundred good shots from that trip to Utah, looks like I'll have to hope I can go back never year to get some pictures I can use!

Thanks guys.