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Subject:Re: Use of Photos in Documentation From:Jan Henning <henning -at- r-l -dot- de> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Sat, 23 Mar 2002 15:27:13 +0100
>Are there any legalities to using photos (of people) in documentation? The
>software that I am documenting is one which facilitates the processing of
>police lineups (mugshots, etc.) In order to "showcase" the software, we want
>to show the photos, to show their great quality.
As others have already pointed out, there are numerous legal
restrictions. I would just like to add that your case is even more
critical than 'standard' ones, because the kind of photo and the type of
software suggests that the people depicted in the images are criminals or
at least suspected criminals. Thus the question of implicit defamation
comes into play.
I can see two solutions:
- Make the photos with people from your company, letting every one sign a
release inwhich they acknowledge that they know exactly what the photo
will be used for.
- Get a knowledgeable lawyer.
A further suggestion: Because taking a wrong step here may result in huge
damages against your company, make sure that you are covered personally.
It may be best to present the facts to your manager and let her or him decide.
Hope this helps
Jan Henning
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Jan Henning
ROSEMANN & LAURIDSEN GMBH
Am Schlossberg 14, D-82547 Eurasburg, Germany
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