The Risks of Relying on Bulk Copyright Registration

In the 1990s, many photographers trusted Corbis’ bulk copyright registration program to register their work. However, relying solely on third-party platforms to handle copyright matters can lead to disastrous consequences. Registering copyright for photographers is not just a technicality—it’s a critical step in protecting creative rights.

A valid copyright registration is essential if you want to take legal action against infringers. Even more importantly, the registration must occur before the infringement to qualify for statutory damages and attorney’s fees. Without it, photographers may have to cover legal expenses themselves and can typically recover only actual damages—often limited to the infringer’s profits.

The Muench Case: A Cautionary Tale for Photographers

A federal court decision exposed a major flaw in Corbis’ registration process. Photographers Marc and David Muench sued a textbook publisher for using their images beyond what the Corbis license allowed. However, the court ruled against them. Why? Because the images had not been properly registered.

Although Corbis’ program was marketed as a benefit—it managed registration and promised to pursue infringers—it failed to meet legal requirements. The court found that Corbis had registered the images as part of a compilation. Unfortunately, the registration didn’t name the individual photographers as authors.

Why Photographers Need Individual Copyright Registration

The court’s decision had widespread consequences. Hundreds of photographers who relied on Corbis’ system discovered that their individual images weren’t protected. The registration applied only to the compilation, not the individual works.

This means registering copyright for photographers must be done personally or directly through a verified legal representative. If your name isn’t listed as the author in the registration, you don’t have legal standing to sue for infringement of your specific images.

You can read more about proper copyright registration procedures directly from the U.S. Copyright Office.

The result is vulnerability for the hundreds of photographers who have used the registration system through Corbis.

How to Register Copyright for Your Photos (and Why It Matters)

Photographers need to take control of their own copyright registration process. If you’ve ever signed a Corbis Copyright Assignment Affirmation Declaration, licensed photos through platforms, or hosted them on your own website, now is the time to act.

Visit the official U.S. Copyright Office website and begin registering your images independently.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

If you don’t act now, you could end up like the Muenches—without the ability to enforce your rights or recover damages. Take control of your rights and your work by registering copyright for photographers the right way.