Copyright Row Over Swiss Giacometti Stamp

Brought forward by Vaccari News. Here is a summary:

Switzerland has sparked controversy with its new stamp marking the 125th anniversary of Alberto Giacometti. The 1.20-franc issue reproduces L’homme qui marche I and is valid for postage from 5 March. However, foreign media outlets and catalogue publishers cannot reproduce the image without paying a licence fee.

The sculpture remains under copyright, administered by ProLitteris. According to the Posta Svizzera, it was not possible to secure a commercial licence covering international use. Swiss media may reproduce the stamp provided copyright is acknowledged, but foreign publishers must seek permission through their national collecting societies, such as SIAE in Italy. The position has been upheld by the Federal Office of Communications.

Critics argue that a postage stamp, traditionally a vehicle of state communication, should be freely reproducible for editorial purposes, and that a different image might have avoided this contentious outcome.

The complete article: https://www.vaccarinews.it/news/L___autogol_per_Alberto_Giacometti/39669
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