A note to artists out there experiencing the same problem with Facebook and Teechip. Consider these best practices learned from dealing with copyright infringement over several years.
1). Report copyright violations ASAP to disrupt their illegal monetization of your work.
- Facebook has a page to report copyright violations. There is a burden of proof to prove it’s your work. Make sure you have links to show your ownership of your work.
- You can also report directly to FB’s intellectual property department: ip@fb.com. I usually reserve this email for when the repetition of theft gets out of control. The copyright reporting form doesn’t allow you to tell the whole story, but I find it best to have several ads / images removed before I escalate.
- Teechip has a “report this campaign” link on their product pages. Clearly this is to cover their asses legally because they do zero due diligence when setting up campaigns. The link is an acknowledgment of their legal responsibility so hold them to it.
- Teechip’s form does allow for more explanation so be clear with the cease & desist order (more on that later). Be assertive about the legal recourse available to you
- You’re going to have to make legal statements asserting your ownership. There are threats of penalty
- Here’s some boiler plate for “cease and desist” orders that I use.
2). Don’t be discouraged.
- More than likely you’re going to have to submit many DMCA takedown requests until you get the offending party to stop.
- It’s a time sink but your work is worth defending. Stick to your guns.
- Lean on your fans and other artists when you need support. You’re not alone.
- If you see the work of other artists stolen, reach out to them. There is strength in numbers. The more people complaining, the more likely it is FB will ban the “community” page stealing art.
3). Don’t waste your time addressing the community.
- The page admins will delete your comments and ban you.
- You’ll also run into trolls who don’t care about your ability to make a living from your craft. This is the internet. Assholes abound.
- Do submit “cease & desist” notices via private message with details of actions you’re taking with FB, Teechip, etc. This lets them know you’re serious about legal consequence.
4). Monetize your work.
- Take this as a lesson on how marketable your work can be. Consider offering merchandise of your own.
- Even though you’re covered by copyright in any case, putting your work out there in a tangible product increases the perception of legal consequences with Facebook, Teechip, etc.
- If you license your work, you may get legal support from companies defending that license. Bonus!
5). Continue to work your craft.
- You can always appoint someone to represent your rights and do this for you. Friends. Family. Fans. They’ll all be glad to see you working creatively.
(via theartofmichaelwhelan)
