Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California
Photographs of Ancestors
I have an uncle who has proclaimed to have many pictures of our ancestors in his possession. Despite repeated requests to see them and copy them in his home, or pay to have them copied, he has continuously put me off for 5+ years. I am wondering if there is any legal leg to stand on regarding my rights to the images of my ancestors? Thank you.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Photographs of Ancestors
Regardless of who might be the subject of a photograph, only the copyright holder can make copies. I don't have enough facts to judge whether your uncle holds the copyrights or not, but it seems clear that you don't so you have no legal right to make copies of them.
Besides, the issue here strikes me as being less about the law and more about your relationship with your uncle. This web site really can't help much with family relationships.
Re: Photographs of Ancestors
The copyrights have probably expired and, in any event, are probably of no consequence to your problem. The pictures seem to be his personal property. You have no right to see them.
As the previous post suggested, this is an personal relationship problem; not a legal problem.
Good luck.
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