Signing a Copy right form at Wal Mart??? - SBB Digital Scrapbooking Forums | Scrapbook-Bytes

mummytothree · #1 (**permalink**) 04-10-2006

So I searched a couple forums and didn't see anything like this, so I'll ask here in the general fourm.

I uploaded a layout to walmart.com for printing. It is an invite for my dd's birthday party. (It's RIGHT HERE in my galley if you wanna see it) They called me about 20 minutes after my uplaod and asked me if I had made/created the photo. I said "yes". They asked me if I would be willing to bring the file in on disk "yes" and would I be willing to sign a copy right paper "Huh??".

Now here is what I don't know. I made the layout using a kit by Alison Folendore. Yes the layout is my creation, but some of the stuff is not my creation, I just used individual elements to bring the page together.

Can I leagally sign the copyright paper??? has this happend to anyone else??

I need help!!!!! What do I do in this situation. BTW, the invite is for persoanl use, I am not selling it or making a profit and I only wanted to print 9 of them.

lisahoo · #2 (**permalink**) 04-10-2006

Hmm, you may want PM Ali in case you need some sort of release from her, but I should think a print out of the TOU from the kit and/or DL files would also cover you, depending on what they say....

(Yet another reason to print at home!!)

shelleyrae · #3 (**permalink**) 04-10-2006

They are only concerened about the photo usually - not the papers or anything else - there was a big discussion here on the issue: Walmart Photo Center...AARGH!!!

You shouldnt have any problem ssigning the copyright release under these circumstances

zeelv · #4 (**permalink**) 04-10-2006

I was going to post the thread that involved my experience with Walmart, but Shelleyrae already beat me to it, LOL!

More than likely, Walmart is concerned about the copyright on the photo itself and not so much who created the scrapbook elements. (But it wouldn't hurt to check with Ali just in case.)

After my fiasco with them, I switched to Winkflash which really does superior prints (and holiday cards!) It does call for more planning since they don't offer 1 hour turnaround like Walmart, but it's definitely worth it.

Good luck!!

HeatherM · #5 (**permalink**) 04-10-2006

Copyright law states that photo developers (or anyone else, for that matter) may not illegally reproduce copyrighted materials. Professional work is certainly a concern of theirs, and they only want to insure that they are in compliance with federal law. It is certainly ok that they have asked for a copyright release, and it is ok for you to sign a release to have it printed. The designers are certainly aware of this and they WANT you to print your pages. Trust me, the photo labs are on your side -- they just have to make sure they are doing everything right on their end too. And hey, consider this a huge compliment!!

mummytothree · #6 (**permalink**) 04-11-2006

Thanks ladies and Shellyrea that is the one thread that I did read all the way thru. But I know that Zee was taking about actual photos. Since mine did not contain a photo...I didn't know if it was different. I will PM Ali just to make sure, but I think you all answered what I wanted/needed to know to know.

Thanks ladies!!!

BTW....because of your thread Zee, I went ahead and made accounts at wwcc and Mpix since so many people recommended them. I think I might check out winkflash too!!!!

Thanks again!!!!

zeelv · #7 (**permalink**) 04-11-2006

LOL, Elizabeth...I just now checked the link you posted for the invitation! No photos!!

(Incredibly cute invite, by the way!!)

The sad thing is that it sounds like not all Walmarts follow the same policy. Rather, each store interprets "the law" differently and in its own way. The fact that your store called you within 20 minutes and was willing to work with you (bring in a disk, sign the waiver, etc.) is so completely opposite of the experience I had, it's crazy. I had problems with my store not calling me when their machinery was down and couldn't print within an hour (even though they had received the order and had my number). And it's not like they were swamped with backed up orders either...the manager himself admitted they could've called since there were only two orders, mine and someone else's.

Oh well, that's why I don't print there anymore.

angelarelle · #8 (**permalink**) 04-11-2006

I work in a large chainstore that has a print section and they make people sign a copyright release whenever something is a copyrighted. It's to cover their butts if the customer is doing something illegal I would take it as a compliment that it looks that professional. So long as you aren't breaching the designers terms of use it's all good.