Stolen Images
Finding stolen images took a little effort, but it wasn’t too hard. Yesterday, I found 5 of my paintings being used across several websites. These images were used without permission, proper credit or linkbacks. For the record, as most of us artists would agree, I’m honored to have my work shared with proper credit and a linkback. However, under copyright law I do hold full copyright on my images. After all, I have spent hours, studying, practicing, and creating. It’s only right that you give proper credit.
Finding Stolen Images in 3 Steps
This works best in the Google Chrome Browswer.
Step 1:
Open Google Chrome and select images
Step 2:
Click on the Camera icon
Step 3:
Drag your image into the search bar (use the appropriate titled image)Run the search and view your results
Prevent Stolen Images
While there probably isn’t a fool proof method, there are precautions you can take to prevent stolen images: Hopefully you will not find stolen work as I did in the image below, but I believe it’s inevitable for artists. The best way to fight this growing problem is to be proactive. You need to take precautions not to upload high images. See my post here for tips. https://tinasfinearts.com/2017/07/copyright-concerns/
What to do if you find your stolen images are being used without your permission.
- Kindly ask the violator to take down the images or give proper credit and a linkback.
- Send a DMCA, Digial Millenial Copyright Act, violation notice
Upon finding stolen images, there are a few steps to follow when sending a takedown notice
According to fellow artist and lawyer, Kiffane Stahle, to send a DMCA,
- You will need to first find the web hosting provider
- Find the copyright agent under the sites legal terms of use
- Draft a DMCA takedown notice
WhoisHostingThis provides a quick easy way to get your resources
Find the sites web hosting provider here:
Create an automatic DCIM notice here:
I want to thank Kiffane Stahle for setting me on the correct path. To read a little more in depth, or contact her, please refer to her website: https://theartistsjd.com/dmca-takedown-notice/
In closing, I also had another artist friend mention Pixy.com, but you have to pay for a plan. This may be more helpful if you have an established art business and images used in countries that aren’t so great with copyright.
I hope this post was helpful to you. Please feel free to share it.
Written by Tina A Stoffel
