Messages

2551

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: My 1st Copyright Letter

« on: December 05, 2011, 01:41:13 PM »

It looks like the image in question here appears on at least 165 other sites, some of which are wallpaper sites, which for some strange reason does not surprise me..and I also see this image is owned by none other than V.K. Tylor, again no surprise there either...

2552

Hawaiian Letters & Lawsuits Forum / Re: Hawaiin Artwork, LLC Files Lawsuit!

« on: December 05, 2011, 12:59:15 PM »

Here's another one the same lawyer is handling, I know nothing about this case, except it is with another company "Pacific Stock" and i assume it is in regards to stock images...

Pacific Stock, Inc. v. Big Kahuna Adventures Hawaii LLC et al

http://www.rfcexpress.com/lawsuits/copyright-lawsuits/hawaii-district-court/86073/pacific-stock-inc-v-big-kahuna-adventures-hawaii-llc/summary/

2553

Hawaiian Letters & Lawsuits Forum / Re: Hawaiin Artwork, LLC Files Lawsuit!

« on: December 05, 2011, 12:55:17 PM »

I managed to find the attorney in this case and it appears he actually has some experience..

http://www.ip-law-hawaii.com/J_Stephen_Street_Profile.html

I wonder if he is aware that there may be seeding of images happening with Hawaiian Art Network and "artist" V.K.Tylor

http://www.rfcexpress.com/lawsuits/copyright-lawsuits/hawaii-district-court/86075/hawaiian-art-network-llc-v-aloha-plastic-surgery-llc/summary/

:::EDIT::: this same attorney is involved in both cases mentioned in the original post.

2554

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: My 1st Copyright Letter

« on: December 05, 2011, 11:04:17 AM »

Just a second thought, Hawaiian Art Network most likely does not own the copyright, but that still does not explain Getty's involvement, I doubt they are involved. My hope is if we can get enough people in your same situation ( downloading from a free site) that you guys can possibly fight back and draw a really big win, hopefully shutting down this business practice of seeding images on free sites.. I see H.A.N. just filed 2 suits, I am going to reach out to the defendants and see if they obtained the images the same way. will keep you posted if I learn anything..

2555

Hawaiian Letters & Lawsuits Forum / Hawaiian Artwork, LLC Files Lawsuit!

« on: December 05, 2011, 10:06:00 AM »

Looks like Hawaiian Art Network, LLC has filed a suit against Aloha Plastic Surgery, and to no surprise Vincent K Tylor is also named as a plaintiff

http://dockets.justia.com/docket/hawaii/hidce/1:2011cv00722/100339/


Correction!!!! Make that 2 suits!

http://dockets.justia.com/docket/hawaii/hidce/1:2011cv00721/100348/

2556

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: My 1st Copyright Letter

« on: December 05, 2011, 06:57:56 AM »

We'd very much like to see this letter and perhaps post it ( with your information removed ) This is not the first instance from Hawaiin Art Network, but it is the first they are quoting something from Getty. It's been suggested that some artists affiliated with Hawaiin Art Network are seeding images on free download sites, then following up with demand letters, it would also be helpful to us and you case if you could link the site you used. We recently had a little run in with a couple of their attorneys, so I'm also curious as to which one sent this little gem.

I can send you my email if your willing to share the letter, just PM me.

2557

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Another letter from IMUA Legal Advisors

« on: December 05, 2011, 06:51:01 AM »

I don't think he was ever "sued" I think he just caved in..

"WNYC reported Sheridan feared "prolonged litigation" and its effects on the business and "paid the attorney Eric Meltzer." After the time of the actual payment, "Sheridan said he was asked to sign a gag order, which he resisted. He said both sides comprised: Sheridan would not say how much he paid, but was otherwise free to talk."

2558

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Another letter from IMUA Legal Advisors

« on: December 04, 2011, 05:51:33 PM »

Another one not willing to educate themselves....apparently this person paid up, although he signed a confidentiallity agreement and can't disclose how much he settled for ...

Man sued for posting official Sarah Palin picture on his website

Read more: http://digitaljournal.com/article/303780#ixzz1fbpX2MSL

2559

Righthaven Lawsuits Forum / Music, book industries may back Righthaven

« on: December 04, 2011, 05:47:36 PM »

The U.S. music and book publishing industries may intervene on behalf of Righthaven LLC of Las Vegas in one of its copyright lawsuits, an attorney said Sunday.

Their potential involvement on behalf of Righthaven was revealed when one of the attorneys fighting Righthaven warned a lawyer for the recording and publishing industries that they face a public relations disaster if they side with Righthaven.


http://www.vegasinc.com/news/2011/dec/04/music-book-industries-may-back-righthaven/

2560

Getty Images Letter Forum / Another letter from IMUA Legal Advisors

« on: December 04, 2011, 09:15:43 AM »

Some may know IMUA Legal Advisors works with Alaska Stock LLC, with the demand letter tactic, this letter dates back to Sept 2010 and is demanding 11,750 USD. To this point only attorney John Grant has been mentioned, apparently he has a "partner in crime" ( no I'm not actually accusing anyone of any crimes, for those that like to get their shorts in a bunch!) This letter comes from  Eric S. Meltzer, ESQ. I'm temped to contact the recipient for a quick follow up, but am still thinking it over..

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/72052958/48952624-Alaska-Stock-Murphy-Gonzalez-Copyright-Infringement-Cease-and-Desist-Letter

Names have not been redacted from this doc, but this was not posted by ELI.

It is also worth noting that IMUA Legal Advisors is now known as Meltzer Grant LLC

2561

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: 3rd party software package

« on: December 03, 2011, 05:32:53 PM »

I'll take a stab on this, even tho I'm a bit confused ( or maybe just braindead)..... If you purchased a software product and took a picture of the packaging and used that on your site, then you would own the copyright, however this could potentially open a can of worms in regards to trademark infringement, such is the case Getty is being sued for with the little smelly trees.....more at the link below

http://www.scribd.com/doc/67629206/Decision-Tree-Freshner-Getty

On the other hand is the software company supplied you with the image in question to use on your site, AND it was a Getty image, they would need to have a valid license to use the image HOWEVER if they did have a license, they are generally not transferrable, meaning just because they have a license, does not give them the right to give you permission to use it.

Have you been able to locate this image anywhere else? is it widely used? is it available on other stock photo sites?

2562

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Bot trap for image browsing

« on: December 02, 2011, 02:32:56 PM »

This has been on my list to do as well, just haven't had the time to try out the bot trap...that being said I'd be willing to give it a shot when you get it completed... I need to digest this a bit more before I open my trap, but i might have some further ideas/suggestions..

2563

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Looks like someone is attempting some damage control...

« on: December 02, 2011, 09:57:19 AM »

I just love google! I just did a specific "link" search and the above article is linked to over 1300 sites, some are the article, some are just link farms..either way you look at it, it would be considered either black hat seo or duplicate content, which google really frowns upon...all that work for no positive results....Good relevant content /articles is what gets you to the top.

2564

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Looks like someone is attempting some damage control...

« on: December 02, 2011, 08:45:50 AM »

I got a kick out of the Justin link as well...only a matter of time, before that site disappears as I'm sure that Justin has his name trademarked..

This type of black-hat seo usually ends up biting the client in the ass at some point, as it really doesn't help in any way...but I regress

2565

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Welcome to Mcfilms (Jerry Witt) to the ELI Defense Team!

« on: December 02, 2011, 08:39:23 AM »

Welcome aboard Jerry! As can plainly be seen, the more of us that come out publicly the stronger and more legitimate we get. Lets not forget to give kudos to our other community members as well for doing their share to help educate us and the general public...