The Java Jive

Poor one, Brandon. You’re not alone. Internet makes this happening again and again. As I know, that’s very difficult to stop this thing because of internet characteristic itself which is wide open. I think this is a homework for the authorized person.

flattering.

The only thing you can do is write to eBay Australia. Quite apart from infringing your copyright, the vendor is breaching eBay’s rules (http://pages.ebay.com.au/help/policies/copyrights.html). Just refer them to their own rules.

Incidentally, I couldn’t see a copyright notice on your blog. You should have a copyright notice at the bottom of every page. This won’t stop copyright infringement, but it will help when you have to claim copyright.

The only other thing you can do is think about putting a watermark on your photos.

Best thing you can do is alert the hosting service of the offending site and request – politely but firmly – that the offending material be taken down.

I use a Creative Commons license on my site – people are welcome to use my content for noncommercial purposes, as long as it’s linked and attributed – but a professional photographer’s needs are different: his images are his living. You have every right to keep people from stealing your work.

Of course, if you were a lousy photographer, the problem would cure itself…but, no.

I too would suggest a water mark.

Brett – I might ask your help with the copyright issues. Isn’t that what you deal with on a full time basis?

Elisson – I certainly don’t mind when people reference my images – if they ask permission and aren’t reproducing them or charging for them. Those that pull crap like that deserve a good case of Dengue Fever.

Jenny – I know a watermark can be effective but I’m not sure I could bring myself to put one on all my images; I find that they often take away from the image quite a bit. Any thoughts or suggestions? Is there an example of a tasteful watermark you could point me to?

Do you know Digimarc? http://www.digimarc.com/mypicturemarc/how-it-works/default.asp
I found this through Photoshop. It’s quite expensive for a non-professional, but if you have some commercials concerns, it may worth it.
The advantages are invisible watermarking, tracking of your images all over the web, and more…