Copy Right & "Public Domain" Discussion

[Razzo]

Hello Fellow AP members, there was a very helpful discussion on this website that really helped me understand this subject. Can anyone help me find this thread?

Recently, an Australian company used one of my images, without my permission to sell a group a frontosa. In addition to using my image, they were also misrepresenting the actual fish they were selling. I sent them a note on their Facebook page and they took down my image (which I appreciated). It appears that this is common practice for them.

I would like to re-eductae myself on this issue and start a dialog with them to encourage them to change these behaviors.

Thank you for you help and support.

Kind Regards,
Russ

 

[greenterra]

Hey Razzo. I can't find the thread you are referring to but no one has the right to use any of your images without license or your permission. Unless an image comes with permission or at least a Creative Commons License, it is not free to use regardless of carrying a watermark or not. Images are automatically copyright the original author. In most cases you can simply ask for the image to be removed. Sites like Facebook have a system that enables you to have images removed. See LINK

If having the image removed fails you always have the option to pursue it further by sending them the bill for such use, especially in cases where the image is used for any commercial gains. Most will pay as they know they don't have a leg to stand on but for those hard cases you may need to find yourself a local solicitor that can work in conjunction with an International Debt Collection agency. It all comes down to how far you are willing to go.