Discussion:
Does anyone know if police mug shots (from local and/or state government) are eligible for copyright? I have never been able to find a straight answer about this.
Answer:
No. The photographer taking the mug shot works for the PD.
Answer:
They are public records. See thesmokinggun.com for instances where public citizens made legal copies of mug shots to diplay on the Internet.
Added this:
Although - if the photo is altered, like the "darkening" of OJ's booking photo by Time magazine for use on their cover, then they hold the copyright to the altered version.
Answer:
They are public records. See thesmokinggun.com for instances where public citizens made legal copies of mug shots to diplay on the Internet.
Added this:
Although - if the photo is altered, like the "darkening" of OJ's booking photo by Time magazine for use on their cover, then they hold the copyright to the altered version. I watched the 30 or 40 top worst mug shots on VH1 the other day in between Animal Planet and The Food Network... I wonder how they got their hands on those?
I was Bored I say!
Sometimes after a Turkey High a day in bed with the remote is all you can handle.
Answer:
Does anyone know where there is any specific (federal?) law, court decision, or related regulation that specifically forbids police departments to copyright or place restrictions on distribution?
Answer:
Heres a few links. I'd suggest searching google for the rest