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Agency Based Discussion => 123RF => Topic started by: Cogent Marketing on September 04, 2011, 05:41

Title: Stolen image from RF123
Post by: Cogent Marketing on September 04, 2011, 05:41
I have notified RF123 on this matter with a site email but as they probably check here too, here is the link (image clearly shows the RF123 watermark)

Message below.

My image 9899218 with Watermark is being used here:
http://radar-gr.blogspot.com/2011/08/o-how-italy-is-adjusting.html (http://radar-gr.blogspot.com/2011/08/o-how-italy-is-adjusting.html)

Please get it removed immediately. Thank you.
Title: Re: Stolen image from RF123
Post by: madelaide on September 04, 2011, 21:23
Let us know if they do something. In all my reports to sites, nothing changed. Only when I wrote directly to the infractor, images were removed.
Title: Re: Stolen image from RF123
Post by: Cogent Marketing on September 05, 2011, 02:57
Let us know if they do something. In all my reports to sites, nothing changed. Only when I wrote directly to the infractor, images were removed.
I will. Co-incidentally, I also reported the image violation on-line to Blogger.com who administer this blog site - there was an REPORT ABUSE button which enables you to give detailed explanations to the reported violation. I'll let everyone know the outcomes, particularly in reference to 123RF.
Title: Re: Stolen image from RF123
Post by: Cogent Marketing on September 05, 2011, 05:48
The UK 123RF office called me back a few moments ago and they now have all the information they need to proceed to 'decease and desist' action. They have to check first to see if the image has been purchased legitimately. There is a small chance (about 1% they say) where clients do actually buy an image appropriately and for whatever reason still use a watermarked screen grab which they may have downloaded as a comp before purchase - strange but true - usually if their in a real hurry and forget to use the 'proper' image they bought. Amazing I know but it does happen sometimes!

That being said, I think it is highly unlikely that applies in this case but they have to check it out first under their policies & procedures.

I'll keep checking back on the link (below) to see when the image changes (i.e. without the watermark) and keep everyone abreast. 123RF did say they take these cases very seriously and action is always taken against perpetrators when and where possible, although they cannot give guarantees they always succeed. The penalty for unauthorized image use (assuming the perpetrator buys it and doesn't simply remove the image) is they have to pay double the normal price of the image which is reflected in an increase in the royalty to the photographer on a pro-rata basis. I doubt that will happen here either as it's a news page blog - old news already so effectively they'll get away with it by simply changing the image.

Scum bags.


http://radar-gr.blogspot.com/2011/08/o-how-italy-is-adjusting.html (http://radar-gr.blogspot.com/2011/08/o-how-italy-is-adjusting.html)
Title: Re: Stolen image from RF123
Post by: dirkr on September 05, 2011, 06:03
'decease and desist' action.

I love this one  ;D

Anyway, good to hear that 123RF takes these things seriously. I'll have to do some searching (and e-mailing) when I find time, because I did already find some images with 123RF watermark on them but until now didn't bother to contact 123RF.
Google's new image search does a great job in finding those things.
Title: Re: Stolen image from RF123
Post by: Cogent Marketing on September 05, 2011, 06:40
'decease and desist' action.

I love this one  ;D

Anyway, good to hear that 123RF takes these things seriously. I'll have to do some searching (and e-mailing) when I find time, because I did already find some images with 123RF watermark on them but until now didn't bother to contact 123RF.
Google's new image search does a great job in finding those things.
I agree. I used to use TinEye - quite frankly - compared to Google images it's rubbish. I simply drag an image into the Google images window and within seconds I have 1/2/3 pages of every time the image has been used. That's how I found this violation yesterday. I reserve Sunday's for this sort of investigating thing.. It's also nice to see where images are being used as well.
Title: Re: Stolen image from RF123
Post by: fritz on September 06, 2011, 18:53
I found many of my images with IS and DT watermark on the web.
Reported to them and nothing happens. They are not interested or don't have time to deal with this kind of violations.At the end I gave up.
Title: Re: Stolen image from RF123
Post by: alex123rf on September 06, 2011, 20:49
We've sent a C&D as well as persuaded the blog owner to try get a licensed version of the image but have received no replies.

I have since wrote a "Report alleged copyright infringement: Blogger" to Google's services. Expecting an automated reply soon.

We'll keep you posted of any developments.

Alex.
Title: Re: Stolen image from RF123
Post by: dirkr on September 07, 2011, 03:43
Good to know that you are acting on those things. I detected a similar case (watermarked image in use) yesterday and contacted 123RF with all details.
Title: Re: Stolen image from RF123
Post by: Cogent Marketing on September 07, 2011, 06:09
 :D Just seen my typo in the message a few days ago "have all the information they need to proceed to 'decease and desist' action"

Should have been Cease and Desist - probably a bit extreme expecting the scumbags to die for their misdemeanors!  :D
Title: Re: Stolen image from RF123
Post by: rubyroo on September 07, 2011, 09:07
Oh I don't know.  Maybe we should all write 'Decease and Desist' orders.  They might take those more seriously.  :D
Title: Re: Stolen image from RF123
Post by: Cogent Marketing on September 08, 2011, 04:23
The blogger team at Google (who I also reported this to) responded late last evening with this message.

.........................................................

Hello,

Thanks for reaching out to us.

We have completed the Blogger portion of your complaint stemming from case
#: 864226388

In accordance with the DMCA, we have completed processing your
infringement complaint and the content in question no longer appears on
the following URL(s):

http://radar-gr.blogspot.com/2011/08/o-how-italy-is-adjusting.html (http://radar-gr.blogspot.com/2011/08/o-how-italy-is-adjusting.html)

Please let us know if we can assist you further.

Regards,

The Google Team

.........................................................

The offending page is taken down.

Case closed until the next time it happens.
Title: Re: Stolen image from RF123
Post by: rubyroo on September 08, 2011, 04:27
That's good to know.  Glad you had it resolved, and thanks for posting.
Title: Re: Stolen image from RF123
Post by: Microstock Posts on September 08, 2011, 04:57
'decease and desist' action.

I love this one  ;D

Anyway, good to hear that 123RF takes these things seriously. I'll have to do some searching (and e-mailing) when I find time, because I did already find some images with 123RF watermark on them but until now didn't bother to contact 123RF.
Google's new image search does a great job in finding those things.
I agree. I used to use TinEye - quite frankly - compared to Google images it's rubbish. I simply drag an image into the Google images window and within seconds I have 1/2/3 pages of every time the image has been used. That's how I found this violation yesterday. I reserve Sunday's for this sort of investigating thing.. It's also nice to see where images are being used as well.

It checks for images used online. It's a bit more tricky finding image violations in the offline world. Anyway glad you got it sorted. :)
Title: Re: Stolen image from RF123
Post by: ShadySue on September 08, 2011, 05:12
Oh I don't know.  Maybe we should all write 'Decease and Desist' orders.  They might take those more seriously.  :D
Desist or Decease even better.  ;D
Title: Re: Stolen image from RF123
Post by: rubyroo on September 08, 2011, 05:16
Desist or Decease even better.  ;D

 :D

That's the one!  Brilliant.  :D
Title: Re: Stolen image from RF123
Post by: alex123rf on September 08, 2011, 20:10
Yeah, they've removed it all right...

Below is my reply from Google.

Hello Alex,

Thanks for reaching out to us.

We have received your DMCA complaint. Upon recent review of the blog(s)
mentioned in your complaint, it appears that the post(s) in question no
longer exist(s). If this matter is still a concern, please reply to this
email with detailed information to enable us to locate the allegedly
infringing content.
- Hide quoted text -

Regards,

The Google Team
Title: Re: Stolen image from RF123
Post by: Mantis on September 10, 2011, 09:32
Good work! A win for the good guys!! ;)