Plagiarism & Copyright Infringement

Update: The lovely editor Jonathan Bong quickly called me up after receiving my email and explained to me what really happened. We came to agree on a settlement which both of us are quite pleased with. I won’t say what it is here, but the only hint is that you have to watch this space. I’m appeased at the fact that the issue was solved so quickly and painlessly.

Also, big thanks to everyone who showed their concern and opinions over the issue. XX

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Original Post: This is appalling. I’ve just found out that an image I took in 2007 is being used to advertise the ‘Shenanigans 2009 Most Eligible Bachelor Contest’ in Breeze magazine! Observe:

Above: The original image taken of Jeffrey Tanggau sometime in 2007.

Above: The page used to advertise Shenanigans and the image concerned.

To make matters worse, they’ve even re-edited the photo and (gasp) enlarged Jeffrey’s eyes! Major ouch to all parties involved. I’m not sure if anybody (and by anybody I mean the editor, designer, Shenanigans or Jeffrey) is aware that the imaged used for the advertisement is now considered ‘stolen‘.

I also wonder if re-editing the image is their way to differentiate it from the original image but it can obviously be seen that it is the same photo.

I’ve just sent out an email to everybody who might be involved and I’m waiting to receive a proper reply. This will not go down without a proper settlement (to those who aren’t in the know or aren’t from Kota Kinabalu, Shenanigans is a popular pub in Hyatt Hotel). Hell, it’s plagiarism for goodness’ sake!

The issue that is really pissing me off is that the image is being used for profit making without my approval or acknowledgement. Rightfully they have to buy the use of the image or at least get my permission to print it.

I’ve always heard of people complaining about their images being stolen and used for advertising or profit making situations but never did I imagine it happening to me.

I mean, everybody knows that plagiarism is wrong. And what’s worse, to plagiarise the work of a starving artist. That really takes the cake.

Epic.

Posted: January 12th, 2009 | Category: General | Tags: Personal | 6 Comments »

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