Commons:Deletion requests/File:Care4Calais - Refugees Welcome (51953381797).jpg

This deletion discussion is now closed. Please do not make any edits to this archive. You can read the deletion policy or ask a question at the Village pump. If the circumstances surrounding this file have changed in a notable manner, you may re-nominate this file or ask for it to be undeleted.

File:Care4Calais - Refugees Welcome (51953381797).jpg

Derivative work of a copyrighted banner A1Cafel (talk) 14:41, 5 April 2024 (UTC)

Regarding the deletion request for File:Care4Calais - Refugees Welcome (51953381797).jpg - Wikimedia Commons. I am the photographer and I understand the reason given for nominating it for deletion is that it is a derivative work of a copyrighted banner. I'm grateful to be able to comment and I would like to make 2 points against deletion. I should state I'm no expert in copyright law so this is just my own opinion based on my own very limited knowledge and I accept I could be wrong on either of these points. Point number 2 is based more on a common sense than legal argument.

1) With a near inevitability photojournalists as well as television and other video content covering demonstrations frequently include banners and placards in their photographs or video. If it is for the purpose of editorial news and taken in a public space without harassment or other malicious intent, this, to the best of my own understanding and knowledge, seems to be usually accepted without the need for written permission by many publications and large photo banks (though I'm not familiar with the regulations of all of them and how that might apply on an international basis). Also, it is common given the limited and crowded space for photojournalists to include images of banners which are large and dominate the frame. I've seen a vast number of such images published online and also on television and in newspapers. This particular photograph, which I took, has itself been published elsewhere including by The Big Issue https://www.bigissue.com/opinion/its-time-to-offer-a-safe-route-for-asylum-seekers-arriving-in-boats/ West Country Voices https://westcountryvoices.co.uk/the-scent-of-revolution-in-the-air-reflections-on-the-tuc-we-demand-better-march-with-care4calais/ and Kent and Surrey Bylines https://kentandsurreybylines.co.uk/politics/justice/bravermans-depraved-indifference/

2) The reason organisations generally make banners like the one depicted is presumably to expose their message to the widest number of people. The purpose of such a banner, unlike with a company logo or even some works of art, does not usually appear to be connected with making a profit or to subsequently sell it. One important reason for such organisations to take these banners on protests and marches is presumably both to be seen and photographed or filmed with them. My own experience is that protesters, including those working with such organisations, usually welcome being photographed whether by private individuals or photojournalists. My personal view is that most people looking at this photograph would agree that it helps to publicise and promote both the organisation and the cause in a positive way. So when taken into consideration in addition to point number 1 which is based on my own personal interpretation (as a non-expert) of what is legally allowed, I can't personally see why this image should not remain published on Wikimedia Commons, particularly as it helps to document an important protest event. I should again stress however that I'm in no way an expert on the issue of copyright and the above points reflect only my personal understanding and opinion. Alisdare (talk) 06:49, 12 April 2024 (UTC)

---

Deleted: per nomination. --Krd 13:02, 13 April 2024 (UTC)