Lawyer Recommendations?

[RIDDLER STUDIOS]

If some of you recall, I did a shoot a few months ago and the client claimed they didn't like the images...but, then turned around and used one of the images in a print ad for a magazine. After submitting a request for payment of their usage of that photo, I awaited patiently to weigh all my options but never got paid. Now I recently discovered that on their web page's "Photo tour", they are using 10 of my photos!! 10 out of the 17 photos posted online are mine!! They never paid me, never got permission to use the photos because of the aforementioned problem. Side note: the photos have been "copyrighted" by the copyright office in D.C. So, I'm in need of some legal advice.

[janetg]

if you are a member of ppa - that is your first stop. i don't have any other advice..sorry

[CaptainTom]

Part of my extended family.

John R. Lively, Jr. is an intellectual properties specialist and is licensed to practice before the patent court, etc.

Tell him Tom Thompson recommended them.
I may see him later today.

http://www.livelyllp.com/

[Cajungaltx]

Ditto what Janet said - if you are a member of PPA - that's the first place to go.

If not - give Tom Gray a call at Fulbright & Jaworski... or Bryan Birkland - he's at Walker Jackson. I primarily deal with both of those firms in a civil dispute capacity with personal injury, and commercial claims - so I can't speak of them PERSONALLY - however - I've been really impressed with both of those firms from professionalism, etc.

I think Walker Jackson would be the first choice - just cause they are so cool - they even Twitter. ;-) I like attorneys who are technologically 'in the game'.

[David Whatley]

Make sure you go and either save their wabpage or View Print, so if they do take them down, you have your proof.

[alamoshutterbug]

Originally Posted by David Whatley

Make sure you go and either save their wabpage or View Print, so if they do take them down, you have your proof.

Get the current google cache of the website too for good measure.

Edit: oops, only read the view print part, NVM

[LEO III]

John, I don't know if you have been following the similar thread started by Michael (iCe) last week (Stolen Image), but he is going through the same thing. Also don't know whether or not you belong to PPA (I don't, because I'm not a pro, and there are those who say I'm not even a photographer). Anyway, in Michael's thread there is a posting from Jennifer (jenmazy) that says that even if a person was not a member of PPA at the time his pictures were stolen, he could now join PPA, and their lawyers might still be able to help you out. Might be worth a phone call or two.

Just a thought....

[txphotog]

Maybe Jim Adler- the tough, smart lawyer ?? Sorry couldnt help myself but hope you get rightful payment for your work. I cant stand everyone wanting images for free.