Pirates bastards

[Chucaro]

I found today that one local real estate is using one of my images without my approval
I will explore what I can do about it providing that a solicitor do not cost me an arm and a leg
The link is HERE

[weeds]

sunrise/sunsun pic?

[Chucaro]

Yes, the one with the tree. They also cropped the copyright notice form the pic.
I just wonder what I have to do, if send them a bill payable within 7 days or ask a solicitor to act in my behalf.
I am selling these images (one only printed) for $145.00 ea but this fellow is using it for a commercial gain

[Ferret]

Out of interest, is your pic even from the area being promoted by this real estate guy.

[KarlB]

I don't know your financial situation Arthur but you may qualify for legal aid (see http://www.legalaid.qld.gov.au/Pages/Home.aspx). They have an office in Bundaberg. If you need to pay a solicitor then the value may be broader than this one abuse of your copyright. You could get a model letter for future use and also gain a better understand of just what your 'rights' are. You need to know just what you want as an outcome before you move in any direction. You may be able to do a deal with the agents to put your images up in their office as free advertising for your 'business'. You may get them to hire your services as a photographer. There are lots of possibilities. Just a visit to the agency and a demand to speak to Bill Hazelwood, the Director, may achieve what you want. Be strong Arthur. You have many friends on the forum who may be able to help.

Cheers
KarlB

[austastar]

Hi,
I can't make out whether it is on their website or deep linked to yours.

Change YOUR image on your web site to some thing different, but leave the name and its location EXACTLY the same.

You could use an image that is just text and have the text read "This is a really shonky real estate agent, they use other peoples images illegally"

cheers

[austastar]

Hi,
this link goes straight to that photo, and it is your image on their site by the looks of it.

http://images2.au.reastatic.net/800x...0830162530.jpg

go get 'em.

cheers

[isuzurover]

Get a bunch of screen captures of their website - showing your pic - with the date etc...

There are a few lawyers on here who may be willing to offer informal advice.

Since they removed the bit that said (c) your name, I imagine lawyers would have fun with that - as they can't claim they didn't know.

[Chucaro]

Out of interest, is your pic even from the area being promoted by this real estate guy.

Yes, it is from the beach 200 yards from home.

[Chucaro]

Thank you guys for all the comments and concern. I appreciate.it.

The image on the site of the offender does not longer have a metadata I believe that he/she downloaded it from another real estate that have my authorization to use it.

There is good information HERE about the copyright law in Australia. Pages 5,6 and 7 are very relevant to my case.

I would look for a solicitor who can give me the first consultation free to evaluate my chances of having a compensation for this breach.

A few minutes ago i was talking with the manager of a real estate here in Bundy who told me that they have been advised that all the photos in the web are of public domain
That show you how ignorant about the law some people can be.

You cannot post in a forum an image that it is not your without authorization by the owner. The only way to do it legally is by posting the location address where the image is. If it is not do it so, the poster is in breach of the copyright act.