COPY RIGHT VIOLATION

Recently my rights were violated, by someone who was using my Images (posting on the internet, printing ) without purchasing a usage agreement, This is grounds to file a lawsuit, you can't post any images on the internet that you do not own or have permission to use, then take them down and think all is forgiving! "It's like stealing and after you get caught then trying to give it back" If the work has to be removed by a third party (The site management) this shows refusal to cooperate. Also the removal of my business name shows the intent to defraud.


In most cases people are forgiving because it's not worth the time and effort to go to court because they didn't  Register their Images with US Copy Right Office in Washington, DC. 


 This individual was in fact informed of the violation and posted another image again and again on different sites. My Images are registered with the US. Copy Right Office in Washington DC. I  have been in contacted with a lawyer who specializes in Copy Right cases.  
Registering your work makes a big difference in that you can be awarded punitive damages and lawyer fees. 


Copy Right Theft is a federal offense!


It's recommended that you Register your images Quarterly if you have a lot of images to copy right, include the metadata. The processing time can be from 3 to more then 6 months to get your certificate.


I am a photographer and I want to make my living by selling prints and also usage agreements for books, websites, greeting card and more..   Not by filing lawsuits against offenders, but my hand is being forced to take such actions!     Enough is Enough! 


Thanks for taking the time to read my rant... Looking forward to posting more Images of the Wild Life I encounter on my adventures.