The Eiffel Tower, a majestic symbol of Paris, mesmerizes visitors with its dazzling display of 20,000 sparkling lights every night. Tourists flock to capture this captivating spectacle, eager to share their photos on social media or with loved ones. But here’s a twist: while the Tower itself is free for all to photograph, the light show is protected by copyright!
Shining Light on Copyright Law
You might be wondering if all those tourists snapping pictures of the illuminated Eiffel Tower are breaking the law. To understand this, let’s delve into copyright law and its impact on this iconic landmark.
Copyright law grants the creator of a creative work the exclusive right to copy, distribute, display, or adapt their work. This applies to visual art, such as paintings and photographs, as well as architectural designs and lighting schemes. Using these works without permission can result in copyright infringement, leading to fines and other penalties.
Most nations, including the United States and the European Union, adhere to the Berne Convention, an international treaty that ensures minimum copyright protection for all its signatories. This means that copyright holders are granted these rights for a limited time, after which the work enters the public domain and can be used freely.
The Eiffel Tower, built in 1887, is long out of copyright protection. However, its illumination design, added in 1985, is still protected. So, how come we see countless images of the Eiffel Tower at night online?
Balancing Copyright and Public Enjoyment
The simple answer is that enforcement is tricky. Technically, the copyright holder could prevent people from taking photos of the Eiffel Tower at night and sharing them. But such a ban would be practically impossible.
Imagine the uproar if millions of tourists were barred from capturing the Eiffel Tower’s nighttime beauty! It would be a logistical nightmare to enforce such a ban, and it would generate negative publicity for French tourism.
The Societé’s Approach: Finding Common Ground
Instead of trying to restrict photography altogether, the Societé d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, the organization that owns and manages the Eiffel Tower, has adopted a more practical approach. They explicitly state on their website that personal photography of the illuminated Eiffel Tower is permitted.
However, commercial use of such photos, like selling them for profit, requires permission. This sensible approach acknowledges both the need to protect the copyright holder’s rights and the public’s desire to enjoy and share these iconic images.
Remember the Rules: Respect Copyright, Embrace Photography
So, if you’re planning to capture the Eiffel Tower’s nocturnal splendor, rest assured that personal photography is generally accepted. However, if you intend to use your photos for commercial purposes, remember to obtain permission.
The Eiffel Tower, like many other public monuments, provides information on its website about image usage guidelines. It’s always a good practice to consult these resources before snapping photos for commercial purposes. This ensures you’re respecting copyright laws while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of these landmarks.
