Legal Policy

Competition Entrant Legal Policy: Ownership and Rights of Submitted Works

• Protects our members by affirming ownership and copyright of images.
• Protects the club by ensuring authorized use with attribution, minimizing legal risk.
• Supports growth by enabling SEQCC to publish and exhibit member works—with credit.
• Builds trust through fair, transparent, and legally sound practices.

Ownership of Work

1.1. All photographs and creative works submitted to SEQCC competitions remain the sole property of the entrant.
1.2  Entrants retain all copyright and intellectual property rights.

2. Grant of Limited Rights to SEQCC

By submitting entries into SEQCC competitions, members grant SEQCC a non-exclusive, royalty-free, revocable license to:

2.1. Display works during in-club competitions, critiques, and educational programs.
2.2. Reproduce and publish works on SEQCC’s official website, newsletter, social media, or printed materials for education, marketing, and promotion of SEQCC only.

2.3. Exhibit works in external shows or collaborative exhibitions in which SEQCC officially participates, with credit to the photographer.

3. Use Limitations

3.1. SEQCC shall not sell, sublicense, or commercially exploit submitted works without the creator’s prior written consent.
3.2. Works will not be altered beyond resizing, cropping, or adjustments necessary for projection, web display, or print formatting, unless otherwise agreed by the photographer.

4. Attribution

4.1. Whenever a submitted work is used by SEQCC in any form, the photographer’s name shall be displayed in connection with the image.
4.2. Entrants acknowledge that SEQCC is not responsible for unauthorized use by third parties who may access works via public exhibitions or digital platforms.

5. Member Warranties

By submitting a work, the entrant warrants that:

5.1. They are the sole creator and rights holder, or have secured all necessary permissions and releases (including from models, property owners, or third-party rights holders).

5.2. The work does not infringe on any copyright, trademark, privacy, or publicity rights.

5.3. They accept sole responsibility for any disputes arising from ownership or subject matter.

6. Withdrawal of Rights

6.1. An entrant may withdraw SEQCC’s right to use their work outside competition activities by submitting a written request to the Board.

6.2. Withdrawal does not affect any prior authorized uses already made by SEQCC.

7. Policy Enforcement

7.1. Violations may result in disqualification from current and/or future competitions.

7.2. Disputes regarding use of works will be reviewed by the SEQCC Executive Board, whose decision is final.