PACA, the Picture Archive Council of America, is the trade organization
in North America that represents the vital interests of stock archives
of every size, from individual photographers to large corporations,
who license images for commercial reproduction. Founded in 1951,
its membership includes over 100 companies in North America and over
50 international members.
Through advocacy, education and communication, PACA strives to foster
and protect the interests of the picture archive community. Accordingly,
we work to develop useful business standards and promote ethical
business practices; actively advocate copyright protection; collect
and disseminate timely information; and take an active role in the
picture community by building relationships with organizations from
related industries.
PACA is also involved with issues affecting the broader community
including cooperation and dialog with other national and international
professional organizations. PACA is concerned with the important,
ongoing legal and legislative affairs relevant to the photo industry.
In 2006, PACA was a leading member in the establishment of the Imagery
Alliance, a coalition of professional visual arts trade associations
formed to advocate and educate for the protection of copyright and
related interests.
PACA is fortunate to have as its legal counsel Nancy Wolff, who
is a valuable leader in the area of United States copyright. She
monitors new laws and court rulings that affect the stock photo industry
and provides vital information on legal issues that are important
to the business. She created the “Legal
Guide”, a
complete handbook for running a stock photo archive including all
the legal forms, releases, suggested language for contracts and other
vital tools, which is provided to all PACA members.
PACA Membership offers many outstanding benefits including its twice-monthly
"What's New" newsletter that brings up-to-the-minute industry news,
a calendar of events, member press releases and more. This online
publication includes current information on copyright, tax, legal
and other image licensing business issues. PACA-Talk, an online discussion
group, is a convenient way to communicate with other members. This “instant” communication
method is a place to ask questions and discuss issues with peers.
The digital revolution has dramatically changed the stock photo
industry. PACA ensures that its members have the information necessary
to flourish in this new environment. PACA provides its members with
many important member resources including the Annual National Meeting
and Annual International Conference. These two noteworthy industry
events provide opportunities to meet others in the business, discuss
important issues, participate in seminars ranging from salesmanship
to new technologies, and make connections with potential trade partners
and vendors from around the country and the world.
Among the many benefits to PACA members, but most likely the most
valuable, is the collegial sharing of information and trends with
peers and the security that comes from knowing that they are not
alone, but part of a vibrant, growing, and ever-changing professional
community.
PACA Code Of Ethics
The Picture Archive Council of America, through its worldwide membership,
vigorously supports a standard of business practice that sustains
the highest degree of honesty, integrity and fair play with clients,
contributing artists, other stock agencies and vendors. PACA has
a commitment to the protection of intellectual property and represents
the highest quality of images, service and membership support.