That's so lame, copyright infringement really sucks.
There has to be a legal resource for artists that does pro bono work. Check Gray's Inn (or any of the other Inn's of Court) and ask if they have any leads. Let them know you cannot afford proper counsel straightaway.
That totally sucks!!!
(I really like your work, btw.)
I had a personal logo that I designed used
Without my permission in an MTV graphic.
I got a lawyer, they were confident we would win
a judgement for compensation. The whole mess
lasted what felt like forever, and I ended up defending
my self because the lawyers lost faith.
When I was in front of the judge, he asked why I
kept fighting. I said it wasn't fair, and he said that
the law isn't always fair. I was crushed.
Do whatever you feel you must.
This is just one person's (bad) experience.
All the best.
Yep, you definitely need a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of copyrights and intellectual property law. Actually, you may need two, one on each side of the Atlantic, depending on where this "Issi" outfit is located. Too bad these people can't come up with their own ideas - they're stealing from you as surely as if they stuck their greedy paws in your pocket. I don't know if there's a TJ Maxx near me or not, or I'd go see if they're selling it there.
Hiring a lawyer would be best but it is expensive. I would suggest contacting Ebay and telling them how your work is being sold without your permission and you want all unauthorized reproduction of your work removed from their site. . You should also write to TJ Maxx and demand that they stop selling unauthorized reproductions of your work. Try to find out who is in the legal department and address the issue to them.
I have no idea on the legal side of things - have you tried your local citizens advice bureau?
But Jesus this makes me mad. You're talented. And an individual. People ripping that off & making from it has me fuming x
I would say Citizens advice is the best place to start, possibly followed by a small claims court. If there is any legal aid available in your area I would definitely recommend making an appointment to speak to someone about that, you only get a few hours of free time but I've heard they are really good at giving the advice people need.
What the hell?! THEY STOLE THE PIGEON?! That's my fav! I agree with everyone else. I think this calls for a lawyer, especially when facing TJ Maxx. As far as Mr. Brown goes, let us shit on everything he loves - pigeon style. It could be that Mr. Brown has stolen other images - just as he has pilfered yours.
I recently read an article regarding IP law (in the United States). From what it said, unless you have filed a registered copyright on the images, there's not a whole lot you can do. Under a common law copyright (what I assume you have, ie: you drew the picture) you'd first have to prove you drew the pictures - at which point I imagine you could start C&D'ing them - and if you wanted to sue, you'd have to specifically show the actual damages they caused by stealing your images.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news. Of course, I'm not an expert, and this is just what I understood from reading an article on the subject.
This is super shitty. I've had to fight with companies using my photos before.. It's a pain. Definitely keep us updated and let me know if I can help in anyway.
If nothing else - it would be good to seek advice - so you may protect - future ideas and work !! What is needed to contest -- when others steal from you ! Maybe you should produce your own t-shirts - at least with ideas - you feel most strongly about ? Maybe that is enough documentation - you acted on the idea first !! (Have a reciept you produced and sold.) Internet store ? Commerce is why these laws are made - are the images part of a hardcopy *published work* ? I am certain works shared on the internet are used unethically often. Even if you have copyright - you must contest violations - to maintain it !
But in the end *the better the idea ~ more likely stolen !*
Counter action for you ? - ask if they might use some of your *future ideas* - - - legally ?
I am pretty sure ~ they know they stole from you - so you are known - maybe on their radar ?
I would buy a t-shirt - from you !!
I do not care if they are wealthy - they are gnats - if they plague you !!!
Some people are shit, let's face it. I very rarely post any of my art online for this very reason. People will try to make a buck (or ) anyway they can and it's sad...I'm sorry you're going through this.
This is why some people put huge watermarks over everything they post on the internet. In the future, maybe you should start doing this as well. It sucks because it really takes away from the art.. but maybe it will help you keep assholes like these from stealing your art. I have no idea the legal side of this.. but just thought I'd give some advice. Good luck and lots of love!!! xox
If you posted these drawings on the internet, any copyrights may revert to you after publication. I think anything you've written or posted on a personal website also belongs to you, and you have rights to it. Don't quote me on any of this; I'm not sure at all if I'm right. I'd advise finding a company like legalzoom.com, which is a website here in the states that offers free legal advice, and, based on what they have to say, seeing if you can retain a lawyer. If you're savvy enough, and you have a good case, you may be able to get a lawyer. (Go to a firm, no freelance or self-employed lawyer will take your case pro bono.) Good luck. I know how that feels, to a lesser degree.
if you file a copyright registration you can demand royalties, beginning with the date the copyright is filed. you're kind of screwed on sales before the copyright is registered.
