Copyright

Who owns a shadow? The battle to secure copyright for photography was not merely a legal struggle, but a philosophical fight to have the medium recognized as a legitimate art form. In the 19th century, critics argued that a machine could not create "art," and thus, photographs deserved no protection.
 
This theme traces the pivotal moments in intellectual property history—most notably the landmark Burrow-Giles Lithographic Co. v. Sarony case of 1884—which established that the photographer’s posing, lighting, and selection constituted original authorship. Explore the evolution of ownership, from the earliest daguerreotypes to the digital watermarks of today, and understand how the protection of light and line has safeguarded the careers of the masters.

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Trace the Authorship
 
Explore the history of ownership and the fight for artistic recognition.