Used under a Creative Commons Licence
Can You Be Sued for Taking a Photo in Public?
Street scenes, candid moments, real people: they can be visual gold for graphic designers, illustrators and content creators. But are there legal limits to what you can photograph and use?
In this clear and practical piece, published by Australian Photography, intellectual property lawyer Sharon Givoni breaks down what the law says about:
- Taking photos of people in public
- Venue rules that override general photography rights
- Using reference photos in your artwork
- New privacy laws that may allow individuals to sue for serious invasions of privacy
- The article draws on real cases, including a recent case of a woman secretly filmed in Kings Cross and the classic Australian legal case Victoria Park Racing v Taylor. Read more about that news item here: US content creator secretly filmed Sydney women with covert sunglasses camera lens – ABC News
Whether you’re sourcing visual material for prints, collages, social media content or concept design, this guide helps you understand the risks and avoid legal issues.
Please note the above article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice.
Please email us info@iplegal.com.au if you need legal advice about your brand or another legal matter in this area generally.