pdk42
Moderator
Thank you! I was processing the first image when I looked up and saw the second. Time to jump up!Lovely sunset slots George. Very dramatic sky!
Yeah, the sky can change in seconds at this time of day.Thank you! I was processing the first image when I looked up and saw the second. Time to jump up!
Do you have a LUT for that look Paul? I'd like to buy it.S1Rii + 24-105.
You could try the new Lumix Flow "AI" detection of a LUT from a photo.Do you have a LUT for that look Paul? I'd like to buy it.![]()
A minefield!I just asked Gemini if there is any copyright law or regulation about Lightroom presets or LUTs
I copy and paste:
This is a complex area, and the answer is not a simple "yes" or "no." The legal protection for Lightroom Presets and LUTs depends heavily on how they are viewed under copyright law, which can vary by country.
Here is a breakdown of the general consensus and legal challenges for both:
1. Lightroom Presets (e.g., XMP files)
The most common legal perspective is that Lightroom Presets themselves are generally not eligible for copyright protection as "original works of authorship" in the same way a photograph, painting, or piece of software code is.
* The Argument Against Copyright: A preset is often considered a mere list of parameters or instructions (slider positions, numerical values for tone curves, etc.). In many jurisdictions, simple data, short phrases, or purely functional settings are not protectable by copyright. You generally cannot copyright a "recipe" (the steps) or the idea of a look (e.g., a "dark and moody" look).
* The Argument For Copyright/Protection (Licensing):
* Original Expression: Some legal arguments suggest that a highly complex or unique custom tone curve, combined with other specific settings, might cross the threshold into a protectable "original expression."
* Licensing and Contracts: Creators primarily protect their presets through licensing agreements and Terms of Use that buyers must agree to. These licenses:
* Prohibit Redistribution/Resale: Even if you buy it, you are prohibited from sharing, modifying for resale, or reselling the original file.
* Specify Usage: They define whether the preset is for personal use only or commercial use (for client work).
* Copyright on the Output Image: Crucially, the images you create using the preset are protected by your copyright. The creator of the preset does not own the copyright to your final photographs.
2. LUTs (Look-Up Tables, e.g., .cube files)
The legal status of LUTs is similar to that of presets, and arguably even less certain regarding direct copyright protection.
* The Argument Against Copyright: A LUT is fundamentally a "lookup table" of mathematical values (a set of numbers) that tell a program how to transform one set of color values (input) into a new set (output). Because they are a series of numerical conversions or a "color-based formula," many believe they are too functional to qualify for copyright protection.
* The Protection Mechanisms:
* Licensing and Contracts: Just like presets, creators sell LUTs with licenses that forbid redistribution, sharing, and resale. This is the main legal protection used by vendors.
* Trade Secrets: For high-end colorists, a unique or complex LUT might be treated as a trade secret, protected by non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and limited distribution.
* Other IP (Less Common): The underlying process used to generate a very complex LUT might theoretically be patentable, but this is rare and highly technical.
Summary of Best Practices
| Action | Legal/Protection Status |
|---|---|
| Selling a Preset/LUT | You primarily rely on licensing agreements to prevent buyers from reselling the file. The original file itself is difficult to protect with traditional copyright. |
| Using a Purchased Preset/LUT | You must always follow the seller's license (e.g., Commercial vs. Personal Use). |
| Selling a Photo/Video Edited with a Preset/LUT | Yes, you can. The copyright belongs to you as the creator of the final image/video, regardless of the tools (including presets/LUTs) used in the editing process. |
Disclaimer: I am an AI and cannot provide legal advice. If you are selling or distributing presets or LUTs, you should consult with an attorney specializing in intellectual property law to ensure you have the appropriate licensing and protection measures in place.