General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: PO1335809 may owe Fulton County a LOT of money... too funny [View all]Ms. Toad
(34,350 posts)Under federal law, state entities are allowed to hold copyrights. Photographs are, generally, works protected by copyright. So the only question is whether Georgia law requires the state and its subdivisions to dedicate the works to the public. If not, the copyright is held by Fulton County and it is up to Fulton County to determine whether to enforce its copyrights or not.
The fact that others have jumped off a cliff doesn't make it the right, or smart, thing to do. If you are selling something which is protected by copyright (and all photos taken by a human who is not employed by the federal government are), you need to review the law to see if you are setting yourself up for an infringement lawsuit.
Widespread infringement does NOT destroy copyright.