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CRITICAL: Copyright & Ownership
You MUST own the copyright or have explicit permission to license every image you upload. Copyright infringement is illegal and will result in immediate account suspension and potential legal action.
Copyright Requirements
What You Can Upload
- Original photographs: Images you personally captured with your camera
- Your own artwork: Digital art, illustrations, or designs you created
- Licensed content: Images where you hold explicit commercial licensing rights
- Your employee work: Only if your employment contract grants you rights
- Public domain: Works where copyright has expired (typically 70+ years after creator's death)
What You CANNOT Upload
- Other photographers' work: Even with permission, unless you have written licensing agreement
- Downloaded internet images: Including from Google, Pinterest, Instagram, etc.
- Stock photos from other sites: You cannot re-license Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, etc.
- Screenshots: Of software, websites, apps, or games (unless you own them)
- Scanned images: From books, magazines, postcards, or other printed materials
- Client work: Photos taken for hire unless contract explicitly allows resale
- Derivative works: Heavy modifications of others' copyrighted images
Example: You photograph a street scene in Dubai. The photo is yours. But if someone else's copyrighted artwork appears prominently in your photo (like a mural or sculpture), you may need permission from that artist.
Model Releases - People in Photos
When is a model release REQUIRED?
- Any identifiable person in commercial use photos
- Face clearly visible (not blurred or obscured)
- Person is the main subject or prominently featured
- Image will be used for advertising or commercial purposes
When Model Release is REQUIRED
- Portrait or headshot where person is identifiable
- Person is the primary subject of the image
- Close-up or medium shot showing face clearly
- Professional models in staged photoshoots
- Children or minors (requires parent/guardian signature)
- Private individuals in non-public settings
When Model Release is NOT Required (Editorial Exception)
- Public events (concerts, protests, festivals) for editorial use
- Crowd scenes where no individual is identifiable
- People as incidental background elements
- Backs of heads, silhouettes, heavily obscured faces
- News/documentary photography for editorial purposes
Editorial vs Commercial Use
Editorial: News, education, commentary (model release not required)
Commercial: Advertising, marketing, promotional (model release REQUIRED)
On MakPixel, mark photos requiring editorial restrictions appropriately.
Example: You photograph tourists at Burj Khalifa. If they're just background figures in a wide cityscape shot, no release needed. If you zoom in on a couple's faces for a romantic portrait, you NEED their signed release.
Property Releases - Buildings & Locations
When Property Release is REQUIRED
- Private property: Interior of private homes, offices, businesses
- Recognizable pets: Distinctive animals as main subject (owner permission needed)
- Private estates/landmarks: Privately owned tourist attractions
- Artwork on property: Visible copyrighted murals, sculptures, paintings
- Commercial venues: Inside restaurants, shops, hotels (for commercial use)
When Property Release is NOT Required
- Public buildings: Government buildings, airports, train stations
- Exterior street scenes: Buildings photographed from public spaces
- Landmarks: Public monuments, parks, bridges (exterior views)
- Natural landscapes: Mountains, beaches, deserts, forests
UAE-Specific Considerations
- Government/military buildings may have photography restrictions
- Some iconic buildings (Burj Khalifa) allow exterior photography but have commercial use guidelines
- Religious sites may require permission or have restrictions
- Always respect local laws and cultural sensitivities
Trademarks, Logos & Brands
Visible trademarks and logos in commercial photos can cause legal issues.
Trademark Guidelines
- Incidental appearance: Small, unintentional background logos usually acceptable
- Prominent display: Large, recognizable brand logos require permission or editorial restriction
- Product photography: Commercial photos featuring branded products need authorization
- Logo removal: Clone out or blur logos in post-processing if prominent
Common Trademark Issues
- Product packaging with visible brand names/logos
- Branded clothing where logo is focal point
- Tech devices with Apple logo, Samsung branding, etc.
- Sports team jerseys and logos
- Car manufacturers' emblems in close-up
- Restaurant/retail store signage as main subject
Acceptable: Street scene with small McDonald's sign in background
Not Acceptable: Close-up product shot of Big Mac with McDonald's logo prominent
Artwork, Sculptures & Cultural Property
Photographing Artwork
Most artwork is protected by copyright for the artist's lifetime plus 70 years.
- Contemporary art: Requires permission from artist or copyright holder
- Museum exhibitions: Usually prohibited or restricted
- Public sculptures: May be protected depending on country laws
- Street murals: Artist retains copyright even if publicly displayed
- Architectural designs: Modern buildings may have design copyright
What's Usually Acceptable
- Ancient artifacts and historical objects (public domain)
- Your own artwork or sculptures
- Artwork where you have written permission
- Incidental artwork in background of larger scene
Required Documentation
What You Must Keep on File
While MakPixel doesn't require you to upload releases immediately, you MUST have them available if requested:
- Signed model release forms for all identifiable people
- Property release forms for private locations
- Permission letters from copyright holders
- Proof of public domain status if applicable
Model Release Form Must Include
- Model's full legal name and signature
- Date and location of photo session
- Clear permission for commercial use
- Parent/guardian signature if model is a minor
- Photographer's name and signature
Consequences of Violations
Copyright Infringement Results In:
- Immediate removal of infringing content
- Account suspension or permanent ban
- Loss of all earnings from infringing images
- Legal liability: Copyright holder may sue you directly
- DMCA strikes: Repeated violations result in platform removal
- Financial penalties: Statutory damages can reach $150,000 per infringement
MakPixel takes intellectual property rights seriously. We will cooperate with copyright holders and law enforcement in cases of infringement.
Best Practices
When in Doubt:
- Get written permission - it's always safer
- Mark content as "Editorial Use Only" if you lack releases
- Remove or blur identifiable faces, logos, and trademarks
- Focus on original, creative work you personally created
- Consult a lawyer for complex copyright situations
- Keep all documentation organized and accessible
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