EN
Artistic work is just like any other work that has the goal of profiting from one’s labours. However, most artists have to deal with people who want to use their work to profit without paying what is rightfully due to the artist/creator. Artistic work is protected by copyright law by virtue of the artist being the owner of the material.
It is the production and use of material that is protected by Intellectual Property Rights law without the permission of the owner.
The counterfeit products industry thrives because of copyright violations. Artists work as paintings, photographs and videos are commonly distributed and even sold by parties who give no credit or royalties to the artists.
Some examples of copyright violations are:
As an artist, you will need to contact the infringer of your material first. Firmly ask them to take it down from online sources or be reported. Where the infringement has happened on social media or any other site contact the site admin directly and report the matter.
If there is no compliance then you should take the following action:
Send proof in the form of screenshots and links of your intellectual property being used without your consent to the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Centrein the USA. All you need to do is fill the form and submit! Simple and easy.
Artists who have an account with Digital Media Millennium Copyright Act Services Ltd. can:
In Canada you can use the Intellectual Property Rights Office to report and be directed on steps to take in suing the infringer.
