Main image via ArchDaily
Think of Europe and which famous city immediately comes to mind? Maybe it’s Rome, maybe it’s Amsterdam, but most definitely Paris. And with good reason too!
Whether you’ve actually been to the City of Lights or La Ville Lumière as they call it in French, it’s hard not to recognise the many iconic structures that make up Paris. One such structure is the Eiffel Tower.
Image via Fodors Travel Guide
No matter where you’re seeing the Eiffel Tower from, this 324 metres tall wrought iron work of art just begs to be photographed and shared, especially when it’s all lit up at night. But, in doing so, you are actually violating a copyright law.
Now before you rush to delete images of the Eiffel Tower from your Instagram page or hard drive, the important thing to note is that the restriction only applies to photos of the Eiffel Tower taken at night with the lights on.
If you are sharing photos of the Eiffel Tower during the daytime or when it’s not lit-up, then you’re in the clear.
The reason for this seemingly bizarre rule is because, according to Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, which manages the tower, the lights on the tower are an artistic work, therefore the creator has exclusive rights to its sale and distribution for as long as he lives plus 70 years after death.
via GIPHY
According to most sources however, French courts have never enforced this copyright law, but it’s best to not chance it.
So, in summary:
- Taking and sharing photos of the Eiffel Tower during the day or when it’s not lit-up is legal.
- The lights on the Eiffel Tower is considered artistic work that is protected by copyright law.
- Photographing the Eiffel Tower at night with its lights on requires permission.
- Distributing photos (sharing on social media is considered distribution) of the Eiffel Tower taken at night with its lights on is in violation of copyright law.
- Visit the Eiffel Tower-inspired Tokyo Tower in Tokyo, Japan if you want to share a picture of a fully lit tower instead!
Info via The Sun
Filled Under :
*We reserve the right to delete comments that contain inappropriate content.