Stupid I know but help needed

campdave

Someone created it, but it doesn't mean it is definitely copyrighted. There are public domain images which are free to use by anyone (the keep calm and carry on poster is public domain for example).

Similarly, books and music enter the public domain after a certain time (70 or 90 years, not sure which).

Some people equate finding something on google images without a watermark as having no copyright, which is a different (and stupid) thing altogether.

Flyonthewall

campdave wrote: »

Similarly, books and music enter the public domain after a certain time (70 or 90 years, not sure which).

Some people equate finding something on google images without a watermark as having no copyright, which is a different (and stupid) thing altogether.

Yeah, after many years they do. I might be wrong, but I think there's still certain things you can't use them for and the copyright can be extended (or the content in some way protected). They're not usually the ones that people share/use/edit though. A quick glance at Youtube shows just how much content people wrongly use.

Exactly. Doesn't help that google can be mis-leading though when you use the advanced search. it gives the option of searching for images you can use, but most are actually copyrighted.

bluesnake

This is probably not the legal answer, but I do understand where he is coming from, here is Banksy on advertising .....

sham63

I get a feeling we won't hear from the OP again - drive-by newbie methinks?

pelirocco

Road_Hog wrote: »

Well, I would laugh at them, then send a letter back, saying, try taking me to the county court, it's a civil matter. Please explain what expenses I have caused you, plus the item didn't sell, so there is no revenue from the item.

Solicitors don't count in the county court, it is specifically designed to be low cost and the judge takes a dim view of people trying to use solicitors in what is meant to be a people's court. You don't get costs in the county court, so they can expend all the money they like, it won't help.

That said, you shouldn't be trying to sell other peoples' work.

I believe they could be taken to the Patents Court , tbh its a threat that should be taken seriously .

b1rdie

I have had a text message from them this morning on the lines that say, seeing as you have not responded to my letter and invoice is outstanding, i need to let you know that legal proceedings have begun - don't know whether just to pay up and have done with it, cant be bothered with the hassle

theonlywayisup

Do not pay up just because they have sent you a text, how on earth did they get your number (I haven't read the whole thread).

Either go and take legal advice or don't but whatever you do, don't act on anything until you have papers served.

Flyonthewall

How did they get your mobile number?

Why would you pay? If it goes to court they're not likely to win as you didn't profit at all, the item didn't sell and you can prove that. I can't remember all that has been said in this thread now, but I'm sure there's some good advice/information on if it does go to court.

A text message is also not professional if taking someone to court. Wait and see if you get any official papers.

b1rdie

I had telephoned them when they sent me the letter so they had my mobile number. I am worried as I would rather pay £350.00 than thousands in a court event though nothing was sold or made from it. I am not disputing I was in the wrong in the first place, just a bit stupid honestly

theonlywayisup

b1rdie wrote: »

I had telephoned them when they sent me the letter so they had my mobile number. I am worried as I would rather pay £350.00 than thousands in a court event though nothing was sold or made from it. I am not disputing I was in the wrong in the first place, just a bit stupid honestly

Well either you take legal advice to *know where you stand or not. Some will give you half an hour free. That may be all you need.

But my advice (if you don't see a solicitor) is NOT to pay anything.

Block the calls from your phone and ignore them.