Author Topic: Copyright question; x-rays, sonograms etc (Read 3339 times)

gaja · « **on:** February 27, 2009, 21:00 »

I've noticed there are quite a few medical images on the stock sites. A search for x-ray on shutterstock gives 1700 results, and maybe half of these look like just plain shots or scans of the originals.

But who has the copyright of such pictures? The hospital, the doctor/nurse/midwife who took the picture, or the pasient? Since I'm so "lucky" that my kids that have been in and out of hospitals, I have quite a few nice images. Can I just upload them without asking for permission?

I guess there is no reason to attach an MR? E.g. to a brain scan.

elvinstar · « **Reply #1 on:** March 01, 2009, 23:21 »

I asked this same question a bit ago and got a couple of different answers. I had a shoot where my model was dressed as a doctor and used my X-ray as a prop. Some people said that you don't need a model release and others said you do. I am going to email all the sites I upload to and ask what needs to be done. I am assuming I will need a model release, but we will see...

leaf · « **Reply #2 on:** March 02, 2009, 01:43 »

here is a link to that other thread

http://www.microstockgroup.com/general-stock-discussion/model-release-for-x-rays/

gaja · « **Reply #3 on:** March 02, 2009, 07:56 »

Thank you both! Please let me know what you find out, elvinstar.

elvinstar · « **Reply #4 on:** March 05, 2009, 21:57 »

I have sent the emails and am awaiting the replies. Will let you know.

elvinstar · « **Reply #5 on:** March 06, 2009, 17:40 »

So far this is what I have received:
123 it is not needed
fotolia the reviewers will let you know once it is uploaded whether it is needed or not
shutterstock it is not needed
dreamstime you do need a model release

gaja · « **Reply #6 on:** March 06, 2009, 18:13 »

Funny how differently they interpret the laws. But thank you for letting me in on your results. Doesn't seem like there are any copyright problems, then. Only a MR in some agencies.

elvinstar · « **Reply #7 on:** March 08, 2009, 03:11 »

That seems to be correct.

Bigstock says since it is of me and is used as just a prop no model release is required.
Istock and stockxpert have not gotten back to me yet.