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Someone Else is Using a Portfolio and Photos of My Work. What to Do?

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Intellectual Property

I gave my former business partner a portfolio of my work so he could interview for a job.

Recently, I decided that I was going to start looking at obtaining new employment myself. After looking at the same company, I realized that they had copied a lot of my photos. Even worse, they put a copyright symbol and their business name on them.

This is my life’s work, and somebody else is taking credit for it.

I no longer have my business partner’s contact info.

I am interested in seeking employment with this company, so I do not want to be hostile. I did not have copyright on the photos, but they are my photos. What should I do?

1 Answers



  1. on Jan 23, 2012

    The short answer is that you own the copyright to any photos you have taken. You do not need to register a copyright to obtain a copyright.

    Since you don’t want to be hostile, you can kindly inform the company of the situation and see if you can resolve it amicably. Otherwise, you can take a more aggressive approach of sending them a cease and desist letter.

    Our process for sending a cease and desist letter involves (1) meeting with you to discuss the problem (which can be done by phone), (2) analyzing evidence of copyright infringement, and (3) drafting a cease and desist letter that explains their specific copyright violations and illegal conduct.

    Aaron Hall
    http://www.aaronhall.com/law/mn-copyright-attorney/

    DISCLAIMER: This information may be inaccurate or out of date. You absolutely should consult with your own attorney before acting on any information here. By using this site, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use.

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