FREE 9+ Sample Copyright Release Forms in MS Word | PDF

Intellectual property refers to a creation or work borne from the mind of an individual. Intellectual property can be visual and auditory work, written work, and any other output resulting from one’s creativity. Authors or producers of such works can obtain protection by applying for copyright. Copyright applies mostly to filmmakers, photographers, writers, and music producers.

When one becomes a copyright holder, they own the rights to their work and are able to do as they wish to it, such as distribute or showcase it. Copyright release forms (refer to the Sample Forms seen on this page), on the other hand, are produced by the copyright holder to give permission to those who would want to use their work for a particular purpose.

Sample Photo Copyright Release Form

Copyright Print Release Form in PDF

Copyright Release Form Example

Sample Copyright Release Form

Free Logo Copyright Release Form

If you are a professional photographer or a photography hobbyist who occasionally takes photos of certain individuals that you intend on using for whatever purpose in the future, drafting Photo Copyright Release Forms beforehand will prove to be advantageous to you. Producing such documents is not in any way taxing; you can simply look through samples of Photography Consent Forms that you can use as your reference when drafting your own documents.

Copyright release forms serve a simple purpose. In the context of photography, they serve to protect the photographer from any liability should they decide to use the images they take of certain people, as well as places, for whatever purpose. For instance, you are a professional photographer taking portrait shots of a model. You will need to inform the model that the images belong to you and that you hold the right to do as you wish to them. If the model agrees, have them sign the form. The release form will serve as solid proof of your mutual agreement.

It is a fact that people often change their minds. If the model decides against what was previously agreed upon, you will be protected by the contents of the release form. You will not be held liable should the model take legal action.

Club Copyright Release Form

Thesis Copyright Release Form

General Copyright Release Form

Journal Copyright Release Form

You may be asking, “In what particular situations should I draft a release form?” The straightforward answer to this is simple: whenever you intend on publishing or circulating an image you took of a person for the purpose of promoting a product, service, or even an idea. Before you even get to the process of polishing the images of such an individual so as to prepare them for publishing, it is crucial that you inform the person of your intentions and plans. You must see to it that they give you not only oral consent but also written. It is very important that you procure their signature on the release form you present to them.

Another situation is wherein you are hired by a company or business to take photos of their products. Though it is not always the case, you may be given the responsibility of producing the release forms for the people involved in the photo shoot to sign. The safest route is to always have release forms ready whenever you enter into an agreement in the context of business.

Making your own forms need not be rocket science. By simply browsing the Sample Photo Release Forms on this page, you will be able to draft your own (those distinct to your brand as a photographer) without hassle.