Messages

586

Getty Images Letter Forum / Joel Albrizio (Adlife Marketing & Communications) Gets Nutty on Copyright-Trolls

« on: October 09, 2016, 08:01:36 PM »

Extortion letters from Adlife Marketing & Communications is a relatively new topic being discussed here on ELI. I knew very little about them specifically although their letters have a familiar ring.

Robert (Buddhapi), a member of the ELI Defense Team, wrote on his blog, copyright-trolls.com discussing the matter further:  http://copyright-trolls.com/site/we-can-add-joel-abrizio-to-list-of-douche-bag-copyright-trolls.

Apparently, Joel didn't take it too well and start accusing Robert of copyright infringement and calling him a "thief" for "stealing" Adlife's images. Win in actuality, all Robert was doing was writing about the matter. Joel was apparently too stupid to figure out that "copyright-trolls.com" is a website that discusses, reports, and comments on such matters.

Joel also made veiled threats against Robert about possibly prosecuting him for such acts. Further, Joel is trying to tell Robert how he should write and comment on a site the Robert owns!

I can tell everyone that Joel has picked on the wrong guy to mess with.  Robert can get very obsessive very quickly in uncovering information on someone.  And Joel Albrizio can pretty much count on being investigated by him and his network going forward.

Joel has never heard of the Streisand Effect but by wrongfully threatening and accusing Robert, it won't be long now before we see more uncovered information on Joel Albrizio and Adlife Marketing & Communications.

Robert shared some information with me but I won't take away his thunder. I believe Robert will be making more posts on the matter in the near future.

So, for the $8,000 Adlife Marketing extortion letter recipients, I think you will want to go read Joel's very foolish and uninformed comments on copyright-trolls.com and then stay tuned for more upcoming reports.

As a teaser, I did find his company in the Massachusetts Secretary of State Corporations database:
http://corp.sec.state.ma.us/CorpWeb/CorpSearch/CorpSummary.aspx?FEIN=043004367&SEARCH_TYPE=1

587

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Adlife Marketing & Communications ASKING $8,000 for an image

« on: October 05, 2016, 03:51:47 PM »

Amelsor,

You seem to be coming in cold turkey.  If you want some general information on how this all works, start reading about how people handle LCS and Getty Images cases.  No way anyone can start from Ground Zero. I intend to write an ebook one day which people can inexpensive pay for and read but it hasn't been written yet.  So absent that, you have to do more work and self-education.

I also offer the ELI Phone Support Call but it is not free. However, it is much less expensive than hiring some random lawyer to educate you on how all this works. And believe it or not, I spend more time consoling people than providing hard-core information than one might think. Every person is different in what they seek.

http://www.extortionletterinfo.com/eli-phone-support-call-with-matthew-chan/

EVERYONE PAYS in one way, shape, or form either in time, energy, work, stress, or money. Every person gets to choose which combination of payment they make. Some who are able choose to financially pay us for assistance, others prefer to do the work and self-education by reading these forums extensively.  No matter which path you choose, if you don't settle, there is uncertainty and you have to live with it.  It won't kill anyone and it won't send anyone into bankruptcy, ruin your credit, or most other dramatic things people think of.

I provided some general insights on the other Adlife discussion thread. I have taken an excerpt here.

There are common strategies every copyright extortionist uses:

1. They depend on people's ignorance of the legal system. Most people are legally illiterate.  They cannot "press charges" because this is a civil matter, not a criminal matter.

2. Most people are unaccustomed to legal conflict and go to the natural tendency of fear.  Some degree of fear is okay but some people are irrationally fearful.

3. A lawsuit is certainly inconvenient. An out of state lawsuit is even more inconvenient.  A copyright infringement lawsuit requires it to be filed in a federal court.  However, the people who have the least are often the least likely to receive a lawsuit.  Also, a "win" generally means a "paper win" not general a practical win in that they actually get money.  That is why lawsuits in smaller cases never go "all the way".

4. Persistence is their best weapon to psychologically wear down victims.  It is an inexpensive strategy to send periodic letters and emails.

5. Filing lawsuits are expensive and require real money. It is also fraught with uncertainty. As such, it is a last resort. Time is on the accused side upon receiving the initial letter.

There is no one definitive recommendation because people have different resources, capabilities, and risk tolerances.  However, the cheapest way if money is an issue is to ignore it for 3 years. It isn't necessarily what I would personally do because it has pros and cons but it is a legit strategy.  You can't go to jail by not responding. There are additional things that can be done but I have given some broad strokes.

588

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Anyone hear of Adlife from RI?

« on: October 05, 2016, 03:41:47 PM »

There are common strategies every copyright extortionist uses:

1. They depend on people's ignorance of the legal system. Most people are legally illiterate.  They cannot "press charges" because this is a civil matter, not a criminal matter.

2. Most people are unaccustomed to legal conflict and go to the natural tendency of fear.  Some degree of fear is okay but some people are irrationally fearful.

3. A lawsuit is certainly inconvenient. An out of state lawsuit is even more inconvenient.  A copyright infringement lawsuit requires it to be filed in a federal court.  However, the people who have the least are often the least likely to receive a lawsuit.  Also, a "win" generally means a "paper win" not general a practical win in that they actually get money.  That is why lawsuits in smaller cases never go "all the way".

4. Persistence is their best weapon to psychologically wear down victims.  It is an inexpensive strategy to send periodic letters and emails.

5. Filing lawsuits are expensive and require real money. It is also fraught with uncertainty. As such, it is a last resort. Time is on the accused side upon receiving the initial letter.

And regarding support, the forum info is free but it is limited and not customized. I am not a lawyer but I probably know more about this matter than most lawyers in the U.S.

http://www.extortionletterinfo.com/eli-phone-support-call-with-matthew-chan/

There is no one definitive recommendation because people have different resources, capabilities, and risk tolerances.  However, the cheapest way if money is an issue is to ignore it for 3 years. It isn't necessarily what I would personally do because it has pros and cons but it is a legit strategy.  You can't go to jail by not responding. There are additional things that can be done but I have given some broad strokes.

589

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Palmer/Kane v Rosen Book, registration requirements not fulfilled

« on: October 03, 2016, 07:18:39 AM »

Thanks to Engel Nyst for drawing out the order and opinion on the case. We rarely get that far with most of the case we deal with but it is interesting to see and read recent copyright cases and decisions elsewhere.  Good stuff.

590

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: new image bot/spider/scraper

« on: October 03, 2016, 07:10:38 AM »

We rarely get into the technical side or detail of how Tineye or Picscout works mostly because it hasn't come up before nor has the discussion been at the forefront.  As such, I don't think most of us at ELI have done research on the matter.  However, it does make for an interesting discussion of how it all works in detail.

But as always, Engel Nyst provides good feedback on the matter.

IN particular, I found this page particularly helpful in describing how Tineye works which I would extrapolate to how Picscout works.

https://services.tineye.com/developers/matchengine/what.html

591

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Cached webpages - Copyright infringement?

« on: October 03, 2016, 07:05:42 AM »

Cached webpages could be seen as EVIDENCE of copyright infringement. The most important thing we tell ELI readers is that if you think there is content you have that was not properly purchased or licensed, just take it down.  It is the simplest piece of advice we can give.

When someone makes the claim, the easiest thing to do is to comply. Having said that, there are also many people who ABUSE the copyright claim and think they are automatically entitled to money. That is NOT true which is why ELI exists to begin with.

Google cached pages will eventually disappear after a certain period of time once Google is convinced the content has been removed "permanently".  If you have done your part in removing the content, the Google cache pages is largely a non-issue.  I would say that most accusers are NOT going to fuss about the Google cache pages. And even if they did, it is beyond YOUR control. They can take it up with Google themselves. But, in my view, that is a waste of time.

592

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Anyone hear of Adlife from RI?

« on: October 01, 2016, 07:03:18 AM »

The "obvious" pattern being that they are suing larger, more traditional businesses, not smaller parties. Of course, that can always change but that is what I see in that list.

The case search shows an obvious pattern.

https://dockets.justia.com/search?parties=Adlife+Marketing+%26+Communications&cases=mostrecent

593

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Judge Rakoff

« on: September 27, 2016, 03:28:54 AM »

Yes, Engel Nyst, is on fire with his contributions. I really can't keep up with all the new information.  :-)

One has to appreciate your "gung ho-ism"!
 

594

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Anyone hear of Adlife from RI?

« on: September 27, 2016, 03:24:02 AM »

I'd like to see a copy of that extortion letter if you would like to email it to me: matt30060 / gmail.

I received an extortion letter from a company called Adlife Marketing & Communications for a photography copyright infringement.   They want $8,000 for an image I used in 2010, and which I am fairly certain I paid for through a stock site, it's been so long ago. 

595

Legal Controversies Forum / Re: Prenda's lawyer loses his license to practice law

« on: September 27, 2016, 03:22:21 AM »

The guy also declared bankruptcy to preserve his assets but much of it was pierced by the trustee's lawyers and he was forced to turnover a lot of it to the trustee.

596

Legal Controversies Forum / Re: Mitul R. Patel vs. Chan: Bogus Defamation Case Using Fake signature & fake info

« on: September 07, 2016, 10:52:21 PM »

I filed my Motion to Vacate (with my Affidavit and Exhibits) with the Baltimore Court and they have reopened the case today to review my motion.

http://pubcit.typepad.com/clpblog/2016/09/georgia-consumer-asks-baltimore-judge-to-vacate-dentist-mitul-patels-bogus-consent-order-.html

https://www.scribd.com/document/322868393/Mitul-R-Patel-v-Chan-Motion-to-Vacate-Consent-Judgment-Order-w-Affidavit

597

Legal Controversies Forum / Mitul R. Patel vs. Chan: Bogus Defamation Case Using Fake signature & fake info

« on: August 29, 2016, 02:33:10 AM »

I have not had time to formally write about this case that I am involved in. When I do, it will be on Defiantly.net, not here on ELI. However, I figure some ELI readers might be interested since I am involved with this.  Essentially, it is supposedly between Suwanee, GA dentist and me in Columbus, GA. Except that the dentist is claiming he didn't file this Baltimore case, nor did he forge my signature. He claims to be a victim.

It is a crazy case that was designed to be hidden and run under the radar. It is suppose to facilitate the quiet removal of consumer reviews of this sleazy dentist. I only found out about it when Yelp contacted me about it. I am pretty unhappy about this and I will likely file a police report at some point. If the dentist didn't do it, then someone else did.

Anyhow, there have been several stories written so far by various legal bloggers and there are a few more stories to come as the case unfolds. Enjoy this little mystery a few of us are trying to unravel.

http://pubcit.typepad.com/clpblog/2016/08/georgia-dentist-mitul-patel-takes-phony-litigation-scheme-to-new-extremes-as-a-way-of-suppressing-cr.html

http://pubcit.typepad.com/clpblog/2016/08/georgia-dentist-mitul-patel-acknowledges-that-consent-order-was-a-fraud-but-claims-he-is-the-real-vi.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2016/08/19/a-suspicious-strategy-in-alleged-online-libel-cases/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2016/08/24/georgia-dentist-claims-libel-lawsuit-was-filed-without-his-knowledge-though-in-his-name/

https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160823/15435735321/bogus-defamation-lawsuit-with-fake-defendant-results-negative-reviews-dentist-being-taken-down.shtml

http://blog.simplejustice.us/2016/08/24/victim-blaming-so-the-dentist-claims/

http://pubcit.typepad.com/clpblog/2016/08/kudzucom-has-restored-review-of-mitul-patel.html

The dentist is now getting all sorts of attention with all his bad consumer reviews by a ton of people. He is now being Streisanded because people (like me) are skeptical he is entirely innocent. He is involved somehow, we just don't know to what degree so far.

Our own Buddhapi has done a good bit of digging on our new favorite GA dentist. There is so much to find on this guy.

http://copyright-trolls.com/site/mitul-patel-georgia-dentist-attempts-to-scrub-yelp-review/

http://copyright-trolls.com/site/could-this-be-georgias-dumbest-dentist-fucktard-mitul-patel-dds/

http://copyright-trolls.com/site/did-georgia-dentist-mitul-patel-perpetrate-a-fraud-on-the-court/

http://copyright-trolls.com/site/its-no-wonder-why-suwanee-dentist-mitul-patel-feels-the-need-to-upsell-and-screw-his-patients-over/

http://copyright-trolls.com/site/suwannee-dentist-mitul-patel-responds-to-bogus-court-complaint/

I will try to provide more updates for the ELI readers when I get more news.

598

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: What Supreme Court is PhotoAttorney quoting?

« on: August 23, 2016, 11:00:27 PM »

Stinger is correct.  Yes, I've caught Photo Attorney not telling the whole story on a case.  There was a case with Corbis she mentioned that I never heard of. I can't remember the point she was trying to make but it seemed fishy to me.  I looked it up and read the details. It turns out that the case was not all she represented it to be. Yes, Corbis won the case but, in the fine print, they got beat up on other fronts. In fact, I remember that it was financially losing case that was touted a win. The judge downsized so much of the legal and attorney cost requests.

Also, Photo Attorney listed a Atlanta realtor client that they unintentionally outed by bragging about her. Turned out that she was prosecuted by the U.S. Dept of Justice for housing discrimination and had steep penalties placed upon on her. The victim was so grateful to me and stunned that I found this out.  They walked away from that case entirely.

It wasn't worth her filing a lawsuit over a few photos vs. someone dredging up her U.S. DOJ Housing discrimination case which made Atlanta news. I never asked for any reward but the victim one day Paypal'd me which I was pleasantly surprised.

So, yes, Stinger is right, there are quite a bit of misleading we have discovered over the years and that includes Photo Attorney. It is definitely possible.

599

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Article: "Everyone's the competition"

« on: August 23, 2016, 10:51:04 PM »

I like the word "disruption" because that is what technology does. I have been saying for years that many of these stock photography businesses have a DEPRECIATING asset portfolio. There is a glut because the barrier of entry is so low with good cameras coming down and the quality going up.  For years, I carried a separate digital camera from my phone because the phone cameras were so bad. I also had a separate camcorder. For me, my Nexus 6 phone finally turned the tide this year. The quality of video and images are so good, I no longer feel the need to carry either a camcorder or digital camera. It is amazing. I have also seen some good looking videos and photos taken by other people using camera phones.  It is crazy the stuff that can be created now.

The Internet and technology continues to disrupt all industries including professional photography. Many professional photographers thumb their nose downs against non-pros who subscribe to "good enough" photography. They can thumb their nose down all they want or they can try to win these folks back.

There is still a place for professional photography services but it isn't the onerous terms and prices that many peddle. They have a right to peddle onerous terms and prices just like we have the right to "just say no" and seek out lower-cost alternatives.

600

Higbee Associates Letter & Lawsuits Forum / Re: The Growing Operation of Higbee & Associates (Mathew Higbee)

« on: August 23, 2016, 10:41:13 PM »

Robert gets the credit for exposing Mathew Higbee and Higbee & Associates for trying to inflate their presence by using virtual offices.

I was suspicious the minute I saw he was promoting themselves as a "national law firm". Most law firms don't do that. They convey their size in different ways but not the way Higbee & Associates does.

They may fool their clients but Robert went to work and outed them so we all know better!