Copyright infringement & compensation

Copyright infringement is a critical issue in the commercial photography world, as unauthorized use of images can lead to lost income and reputational harm. Areas of redress are as follows:

• Identification of Infringement: The first step is to discover where and how the image is being used without authorization.

• Financial Compensation: This might include statutory damages or actual damages (lost licensing fees), with penalties depending on the jurisdiction.

• Negotiated Settlements: Often, copyright holders and the infringing party will negotiate a settlement, which could include a retroactive licensing fee or compensation for damages.

• Legal Action: If negotiations fail, the copyright holder may pursue a legal case, which could result in damages and injunctions to prevent further use.