What can I do if someone publishes my photos on the internet without my permission?
April 29, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Alice Falk
Dear lawyer,
I am writing to you because I recently discovered that someone has published my photos on the internet without my permission. I am Erwin Jensen, a hobby photographer, and I have shared my pictures on my own website and on social media. Now I have found out that someone has published my photos on another website without my consent.
I am concerned about my copyright and I wonder what I can do in this situation. I have put a copyright notice on my photos, but they were still used without my permission. I have already tried to contact the person who has used my photos without permission, but have not received a response so far.
What are my rights in this situation and how can I proceed to have my photos removed from the internet? Are there any legal steps I can take to protect my intellectual property? I want to make sure that my images are not further spread without my permission and that the copyright infringer is held accountable.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Erwin Jensen
Dear Mr. Jensen,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the unauthorized use of your photos on the internet. As a copyright lawyer, I understand your concern about protecting your copyright and will assist you in protecting your rights in this situation.
First and foremost, it is important to know that copyright is automatically created once a work, such as your photos, is created. As the creator, you have the exclusive right to decide how your photos may be used. This includes the right to reproduce, distribute, and make your images publicly available.
In your case, where someone has published your photos on the internet without your permission, it constitutes a copyright infringement. You have the right to take action against the individual who has used your photos without authorization. Initially, you should try to contact the copyright infringer directly and request that they remove your photos immediately. If you do not receive a response or if the individual refuses to delete your photos, you may consider taking further legal action.
One option is to send a cease and desist letter through a lawyer. In the letter, you demand that the copyright infringer delete the unauthorized photos and provide a written statement that they will not use your photos in the future. If the copyright infringer continues to use your photos despite the cease and desist letter, you may initiate legal proceedings and claim for damages.
It is important that you gather evidence proving that you are the author of the photos, such as the original files or publications on your own website or social media. The more evidence you have, the stronger your position will be in a potential legal dispute.
In summary, as the creator, you have the right to take action against the unauthorized use of your photos on the internet. You may consider legal actions such as a cease and desist letter or lawsuit to protect your intellectual property and hold the copyright infringer accountable.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available to assist you with further steps.
Sincerely,
Alice Falk
Copyright Lawyer
