Here's an issue photographers and editors need to be paying close attention to.
Photojournalism Professor Chris Harris of Middle Tennessee State University overcame a major hurdle Friday in his lawsuit against the San Jose Mercury News for using a photograph without permission.
The Mercury News is being challenged for using a picture Harris took of Walker Percy for a book review in violation of U.S. copyright laws, the student paper reports.
According to the Middle Tennessee State online student newspaper, a judge ruled that Harris' class action lawsuit will go forward; setting a "precedent that could potentially affect newspapers and photographers all over the country."
The article quotes Harris' rationale for proceeding in the case.
"I am fighting for the philosophical right for what copyright is meant to be-protection of our intellectual property, that of what goes into making photograph."
Ultimately, the case will hinge on the court's interpretation of "fair use", which allows for the limited use of coprighted materials.