In some cultures around the world, it is considered respectful to copy an artist’s particularly successful work. Not so much here. But what can you do if you find a copycat of your own work on the Internet?
- Secure evidence!
Save the link to the website and the URL of the image. The easiest way to do this is to take a screenshot of the website with the image in question. - Determine who is responsible.
The first port of call is the site’s legal notice. Save this with a screenshot. You may have to search the Internet for the name of the “artist”. He has certainly published an address somewhere for his customers. - Proof of authorship
Important point: Can you prove that this is your picture? Are there earlier pictures of your finished work? Customers who can attest to this? - Take action.
Depending on your adrenaline level, you can either write directly to the copycat and request the deletion of any images of this copy, or you can instruct a lawyer to prosecute this outrageous offense and provide them with the secured information (points 1-3). Please note: This will incur costs that remain comparatively manageable within your own country, but can be very high worldwide. Ask your trusted lawyer for a cost estimate beforehand or set a limit.
And vice versa, of course: if you are inspired by the work of a colleague, please be careful not to be too inspired. ?
Yours
