What is Magnums policy towards copyright of photographs?
Magnum was founded by photographers who wished to work independently and to protect the copyright of its members’ work. In 1947 when Magnum was founded, the norm for photographers was for the copyright to be held by clients. Since then much has changed, and the copyright laws around the world now offer statutory protection for the copyright of photographers’ work, except where photographers have willingly agreed to part with the copyright to a client. Magnum remains highly protective of photographers’ rights, and will not agree to undertake editorial assignment work where the client wishes to hold the copyright subsequently. Magnum remains at the forefront of the campaigns for photographers’ rights generally, and is aggressive in pursuing circumstances where it perceives the copyright of its members’ work has been breached and where it perceives the law has been broken.
