Copyright Protection and Terms of Use
                     Website User Agreement
The terms of use detailed here constitute a legal agreement between yourself, the user, and the site owner, Michael Pearlman,
dba, Christopher Michael Photography.  Use of this site is permitted only in compliance with these terms and by viewing this
site you agree to abide by these terms of use.
All photographs, graphics and text appearing in the Christopher Michael Photography site are the exclusive property of Michael
Pearlman and are protected under United States and International Copyright laws as explained below.
Photographs on this site are not "Public Domain."
Photographs on this site may not be downloaded, reproduced, copied, stored, manipulated, projected, used, or altered in any way,
either digitally or manually, without the expressed and written permission of Michael Pearlman.

Many of the photographs on this site are available for commercial use and may be licensed or purchased. 
For information contact the studio.

By viewing this site you agree to the terms of use and to indemnify Michael Pearlman and all others involved
in the development of the site against all losses, liabilities, costs, and/or damages, including legal fees, incurred
by any or all of them as a result of your breach of the terms of this agreement or your unauthorized use of the content.

Copyright protection is provided under title 17 of the US Code by the United States Congress and International
conventions to protect Creative Artists from the theft of their livelihood.  Artists of all types, Photographers, artists,
writers and musicians enjoy the protection of copyright. 

Photography is a work of art and is protected by International Copyright Laws.

• When is a work of art copyrighted?:  As soon as it is created!
  
  Is Photography a Work of Art?:  Yes!  All photography is considered as art.
  
  Who owns the Copyright of a Photograph?:  The photographer who created it.
  
  Can a Copyright be Sold?:  Yes.  Copyright is the same as property.  It has value. It can be sold, traded or given away.
  
  What is Copyright Infringement:  The copying of Art, a Photograph, a Book or Music without written permission is infringement.  The same as STEALING.  This includes using a photocopier, a camera, a scanner or any other means.
  
  If I buy a photograph of me, don't I have the right to copy it?:  No.  You are only buying the right to use the photograph personally.  Copyright can only be transferred in writing by the owner.  The sale of a print does not automatically  include the copyright for that image.  Very simply, stated, when you purchase a professional photograph, you are in the same position as someone who purchases a book or music CD.  You own the physical photograph, but you do not own the right to reproduce or copy it.  You do not have the right to make additional copies!
  
  Do photographs have to be marked with a copyright notice to be protected?:  No mark is required anywhere on the print.
  
  How long does copyright last?:  Copyright protection lasts for the life of the artist plus 50 years.
  
  What kind of penalty can result from illegal copying?:  Most court settlements have ranged from $10,000 to $28,500 per photograph per incident of illegal copying.

We are very aggressive in protecting our property and copyright.  Our reputation and livelihood is at stake.  Please help us provide quality services to you.  It you have questions about Copyright Laws please ask.

For more information we suggest that you visit the US Copyright Office website at:  www.copyright.gov

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