I recently came across some online articles that are 10-12 years old, that feature Urban Outfitters’ marketing technique: using photos social media users tag them for selling products.
Last year I did TFP with a model and found out that they tagged UO who used my photo.
In the case for social media users, is this ethical? I get making money off of customers and bringing attention to their products, but is there a limit?
Can registering copyright stop them from using my photo? In my case, how do I proceed with this?
A lot depends on the TFP agreement. Maybe you signed certain license rights.
Generally, UO would be responsible for getting use consent from the copyright holder, which is usually the photographer, but your TFP agreement could change who has rights, etc.
Assuming that you’re in the USA, copyright registration can give additional recovery options, but it’s not required.
I’d start by reviewing the agreement you had with the model, which should hopefully be in writing. Then reach out to the model. Only after that would I consider reaching out to UO.