Copyright Protection, Freedom of Expression, and Fashion Show Photographs?

The Center For Art Law excerpted and linked to a review of the Ashby Donald and others v. France decision written by Barry Werbin, partner and chair of the Intellectual Property and Technology Group, which was originally published by the New York State Bar Association's Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Blog. The important decision by the European Court of Human Rights involved the use of photographs taken at fashion shows. Mr. Werbin writes:

"A fascinating and unusual decision of first impression (published only in French) from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) involves the rights of photographers to use photographs taken at French fashion shows. Under French law, the fashion houses own the copyrights to any photos taken at a show. In the case, Ashby Donald and others v. France [ECtHR (5th section), 10 January 2013], the Court clarified for the first time that a copyright infringement conviction based on illegally reproducing or publicly communicating copyright protected material can be deemed an interference with the rights of freedom of expression and information under Article 10 of the European Convention."