It is possible for someone to copyright a picture without owning the original. Copyright law protects original works of authorship, including photographs. A work is considered original if it is independently created and is sufficiently creative. Copyright protection exists from the moment the work is created, and registration with the Copyright Office is voluntary. However, registration is necessary if the owner wishes to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a US work. If someone makes copies of a photograph without a license, the owner can sue them for copyright infringement. Intellectual curiosity is important when it comes to understanding copyright law, as it can be complex and constantly evolving.
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