Copyright basics for photographers in Mexico
Who owns your photos and how can others use them? An overview of copyright, licensing and protecting your images in Mexico.
Understanding copyright helps you protect your work and license it properly. This is general information, not legal advice.
Authorship
Under Mexico’s Federal Copyright Law, the creator of a photograph is generally its author from the moment it is taken, without registration. Contracts, employment or commissioned-work agreements can change who holds economic rights.
Moral and economic rights
Moral rights, such as being recognized as the author, generally remain with the creator. Economic rights, such as reproducing and selling, can be licensed or transferred in writing.
Licensing
Define in contracts how clients may use images: personal use, social media, advertising, territory and duration.
Registering your work
Registering with INDAUTOR provides stronger evidence of authorship in case of disputes.
Image use by others
If someone uses your image without permission, document it and request removal or payment. Platforms have copyright reporting tools.
Releases
For commercial use, people and some private properties in photos may require signed releases.
Consult a professional
For complex cases or contracts, consult a lawyer specialized in intellectual property.
Next: Google Business Profile for photographers and rental shops
