Copyright Law apply for White House Pictures?

[bobcindyc]

From Florida:

I am interested in using some of the images from the photo essays on the White House web site (to be used in a video that will NOT be sold). However, I can't find any anything on the site that gives instructions on how to obtain a license for the use of these images. Are pictures taken by "government" photographers free to use?

Bob

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

From Florida:

I am interested in using some of the images from the photo essays on the White House web site (to be used in a video that will NOT be sold). However, I can't find any anything on the site that gives instructions on how to obtain a license for the use of these images. Are pictures taken by "government" photographers free to use?

Bob

My response:

Photos of government buildings are not copyrightable. That's because those buildings belong to you, me, and everyone else who's a citizen and taxpayer in this country.

So, even though those pictures are on someone else's site, those pictures do not "belong" to that site owner. Those pictures belong to everyone.

So, copy all the pictures of government buildings you want, and take all the pictures you want. They're yours.

IAAL

 

[bobcindyc]

Thanks "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE". Your answer is helpful. Just a clarification - the pictures I want to use are not necessarily of just government buildings. Instead they're pictures of presidential activity taken by White House photographers and posted on the White House government site (e.g., Bush with troops overseas). Still OK to use?

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Thanks "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE". Your answer is helpful. Just a clarification - the pictures I want to use are not necessarily of just government buildings. Instead they're pictures of presidential activity taken by White House photographers and posted on the White House government site (e.g., Bush with troops overseas). Still OK to use?

My response:

Still okay to use. Let me ask you - - who pays the White House photographer? Who bought the camera? The film? The development of that film? Etcetera, etcetera?

That's right. You and me. John and Jane Taxpayer, that's who!

Those photos are yours, mine, and everyone else's!

IAAL