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Shangara Singh
Inspiring
July 18, 2018
Answered

Modern architecture with unique building structures requires a release

  • July 18, 2018
  • 12 replies
  • 1743 views

I have just started to contribute to Adobe Stock. Had an image of the Hayward Gallery in London rejected because it infringed copyright. While it does contain a modern sculpture on top of the building, that is only incidental because the gallery decided to erect it. However, it doesn't mean the building itself or the view of it  then becomes copyrighted (I cannot copy the building but can make a representation in line, paint or photo).

While reading the guidelines, was horrified to read how Adobe is misrepresenting the copyright law, or interpreting it, to photographers. As far as I can ascertain, there are no clauses in the copyright act that requires a release form if your photo contains "unique building structures." You only require one if the building has been trademarked, and trademark not only displayed to reserve rights, but actively used by the company (for example, in their stationery, brochures, annual reports, etc). Has anyone come across a "unique building structures requires a release" clause?

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Sheena Kaul

Hi there,

Please see Reasons content is rejected at Adobe Stock for more details.

Regards,

Sheena

12 replies

Shangara Singh
Inspiring
July 19, 2018

I have now had quite a number of photos rejected because in Adobe Stock's misguided interpretation of the copyright act, I have violated intellectual property when I have not. The following image is one that has been rejected! So the London skyline is now an intellectual property? Since when? Go figure!

I have had a lengthy discussion with contributor support who doesn't understand basic copyright law and is saying because Adobe is a private company, it can accept reject what it likes. Huh? What has latter to do with former?

However, the rejections I object to specifically state I have violated intellectual property when I have done no such thing. He's also conflating taking images of copyrighted buildings in a panorama with Freedom of Panorama (i.e., in his view, if a building is the subject, you cannot exploit it but the FOP exists precisely for that purpose--not all countries support it but that's another subject altogether). Furthermore, he has the gall to say I of all people should know and respect intelectual proprety when he doesn't understand the law as it stands.

For the record, the FOP clause for architectural works allows a photographer to take a photo of any permanent object in public view and to exploit it. Both the UK and the US, currently, support FOP but both the Adobe Stock lawyers, who must surely have overseen the language used on the Adobe Stock Contributor site, and its employees don't understand the law as it stands in their own country, let alone in the UK (same, as it happens where FOP is concerned).

Shangara SINGH.
Sheena Kaul
Sheena KaulCorrect answer
Legend
August 1, 2018

Hi there,

Please see Reasons content is rejected at Adobe Stock for more details.

Regards,

Sheena

Shangara Singh
Inspiring
August 2, 2018

Hello Sheena,

Have you read my posts? I don't think you have. Do you know the copyright act? Who has marked the thread as answered? Not me! Question has NOT been answered.

Neither Adobe Stock staff, nor its lawyers know the copyright act. Based on my extensive communication with contributor support, I can categorically state they do NOT know the copyright act. I submitted a wide shot of the Science Museum (London), and a medium close up. Wide was accepted, medium rejected because it violated IP. Huh? There is NO IP in either.

Shangara SINGH.