ASMP Press Release

The American Society of Media Photographers has met with representatives of the Copyright Office and the Library of Congress and with industry partners to discuss the on-line registration of photographs from within existing and future digital asset management programs. “With on-line registration on the near horizon, this feature will make it much easier to actually register your copyright and more fully protect your images,” said Richard Anderson, chair of ASMP’s Digital Standards Committee and principal author of the Universal Photographic Digital Imaging Guidelines (UPDIG) document.

To diminish the likelihood of creating Orphan Works, images will also be deposited into a privately created searchable registry or database of owner and/or user information. “It has never been more important for photographers to take steps to protect their images and ensure their future value,” said ASMP president Clem Spalding.

This entire effort is being association- and industry-driven, and ASMP will be soliciting participation from within the trade. More details will emerge as this effort progresses.

ABOUT ASMP
Founded in 1944, the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) is the leading trade association for photographers who photograph primarily for publication. ASMP promotes photographers’ rights, educates photographers in better business practices, produces business publications for photographers, and helps buyers find professional photographers. It has more than 5,000 members, including many of the world’s greatest photographers, in 40 chapters nationwide.