Unauthorized use of image on free download site
Mar 17, 2014, 12:54 am
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Seattle
Programs: AA PLT 2MM+; Marriott PLT
Posts: 16,376
Unauthorized use of image on free download site
Quite by accident, I discovered that one of my iconic images of Seattle is available for free download on a site called HD Background Pictures. Other than asking/demanding that they take down the image, should I do anything else? Ask for compensation?
They do list my website but I have no idea how they got the image. I use smugmug and, to my knowledge, the image has never been purchased. Even if it had, it would be "for personal use only". Copyright is in the metadata.
At least it gets 4/5 stars ….
They do list my website but I have no idea how they got the image. I use smugmug and, to my knowledge, the image has never been purchased. Even if it had, it would be "for personal use only". Copyright is in the metadata.
At least it gets 4/5 stars ….
Mar 17, 2014, 8:03 am
#2
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 64
Mar 17, 2014, 5:34 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Seattle
Programs: AA PLT 2MM+; Marriott PLT
Posts: 16,376
The photo is nothing special. It's downtown Seattle from Kerry Park with Mt. Rainier in the background. There must be 1000s of shots that are similar. At full moon, you have to get there early to get a spot for a tripod. Certainly not worth hiring an attorney. I may hassle them a bit. Perhaps they will at least put my website url on the image.
Mar 18, 2014, 10:23 am
#4
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oregon
Programs: Skymiles
Posts: 47
Quite by accident, I discovered that one of my iconic images of Seattle is available for free download on a site called HD Background Pictures. Other than asking/demanding that they take down the image, should I do anything else? Ask for compensation?
They do list my website but I have no idea how they got the image. I use smugmug and, to my knowledge, the image has never been purchased. Even if it had, it would be "for personal use only". Copyright is in the metadata.
At least it gets 4/5 stars ….
They do list my website but I have no idea how they got the image. I use smugmug and, to my knowledge, the image has never been purchased. Even if it had, it would be "for personal use only". Copyright is in the metadata.
At least it gets 4/5 stars ….
At least they gave you credit so perhaps you should be flattered they chose your photo.
