how can I stop a steal of images?
agape (41 points) | Sun, 2009-07-26 13:17Hi
I was wandering about the web when...
I found in the selling leads of a chinese company a lot of my photos.
This company shows all photos (photos of my products) as your production!!!
This company is: http://canonprintingonline.en.alibaba.com/
Someone can advise me? How is possible stop the thief?
Thanks
pinkograf.com
Commenting on this Forum topic is closed.
You can contact them with a cease and desist letter. If they won't take them down you have to find a lawyer and sue them. I don't know any other ways.
Watermark your images. Assume they WILL be stolen if you put them on the internet. Not much you can do unless you know a good Chinese lawyer who knows their legal system.
That's a big ask.
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Dirt and Rust
Do you know an interesting and a very stupid thing?
This company has watermarked MY PHOTOS (pinkograf) with his mark (Tiantu co. ltd)!!!!!
I was in Alibaba, and I realized this.
That's incredible! Without limits....
If a person is able with photoshop, can remove my mark and add his mark!
Sigh sigh!!!
Ohhh, please help me!!!
Other ideas?
pinkograf.com
While it's not the same as submitting your images to the Library of Congress (assuming you are in the states) adding copyright information to the pictures you put on the internet demonstrates your stance and makes it abundantly clear that people are willfully stealing your work. Something small that can strengthen your case if you ever end up in court. At least they can't plead ignorance.
Thanks a lot for the answers!
Watermark and copyright information (little little text on image) are 2 interesting ideas.
I wrote to the chinese company, that I have IPR (intellectual property rights), but they did'nt give me any answer.
Now I have an idea: I make a mock up of a business cards (like the photos that they are stealing to me), with owner's photo and name of this company; and a short text: "wanted - thiefs of image" and a minimum description of their "crime".
Do you think could I have some problems?
Ivan, can I show here my draft?
pinkograf.com
I'm not a legal body, agape, but just a piece of advice...although rightfully angered about this theft, I would consider the chance of being hit with a slander suit if you engage in any moves like creating and circulating the above "thief business card". If these people operate like this...stealing intellectual property...then what's going to prevent them from suing you for defamation of character?
As stated above by , I would consult with a legal body.
Good luck.
3dog
"Art -- the one achievement of Man which has made the long trip up from all fours seem well advised." - James Thurber
Thanks 3dogmania! Your advise is serious.
It's a long long way the legal way!
A lot of e-mails, fax, and other.... and I'm sure that Alibaba don't will make nothing for me!
But I'll make in this way!
It's the first time for me! A lot of time ago, the same problem with another chinese company. But, after 1 or 2 email, they removed my cards from their album.
This time, is worse.
Thanks again (and sorry for the bad english)!
pinkograf.com
Hi agape,
The US Dept of Commerce, www.commerce.gov, the US Attorney General, www.usdoj.gov/ag, the Attorney General of your own state and the US Chamber of Commerce in China, www.usccc.org, are all potential sources that have leverage with the Chinese. One of them may be willing to simply email Alibaba on your behalf. That will most certainly get their attention. Your state's AG is an elected official and has a staff so maybe starting there, and of course the Chamber of Commerce. Good luck.
GORGEOUS!!!
Fantastic, super idea!!!! You are an angel!
I'll try certainly! I'm from Italy, but the concept is the same!
Thanks a lot!!!
pinkograf.com
No one has leverage with the Chinese, I'm afraid.
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Dirt and Rust
May you can threat legal action against this company, contact them and threat them!
Think this would be the best way!
For the future there are some good titbits of advise here: http://forums.globalscape.com/fb.aspx?m=1597
The Construct Agency
Building Creative Brands for People
Thanks! Very very interesting information!
Thanks Mintsauce. I'm keeping all these info, like a treasure!
pinkograf.com
..you could go the other way and ask them to CREDIT you for the use of the photos.
You never know - it may lead to more work from them.
Just a thought.
Miklad
'Keeps losing his mojo, then finding it again'.