There has been a major change in how we think about image ownership. Reproducing, combining, and disseminating images without obtaining permission from the maker is an issue that all artists face and highlighted by the current legal battle between Des Moines artist Chris Williams and the supermarket chain Hy-Vee over using his artwork as a background in a national advertising campaign without recognition or compensation.

This article will discuss the basics of copyright law and how it applies to artists and crafters. There are always two questions concerning copyright: 1) how to I protect my artwork and 2) when am I able to incorporate someone else's work without permission.

Copyright legally belongs to the artist from the moment of creation. You do NOT need to register the work with the US Copyright Office 

in order to obtain a copyright. But, if you ever have to prove when your art was copyrighted, registering with the US Copyright Office is convincing evidence. It has been noted by copyright experts that utilizing video as part of the registering process helps convince judges and juries of the arts originality.

The heart of the Chris Williams lawsuit is over the question of who can use public art and for what purposes. One aspect of Williams' suit alleges misappropriation of the mural and that his signature and Instagram contact information were removed from advertising materials. He is seeking damages for claims including "alteration and removal of copyright management information under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act."