Recently in the Copyright forum we had a discussion about an Asian site that was stealing artwork from members of the Renderosity community. It was difficult for the members to get their stuff taken off that site because of the language barrier. I would like to get a group of members together that know different languages and would be willing to help other members who are dealing with copyright infringement issues with international sites. Their tasks might include setting up a generic cease and desist letter that could be sent to the site, and helping with translations if the site responds. I know Ive had problems with international sites in the past and just had to let it go because I had no way of communicating with the site owners. Is there anything Renderosity could do to facilitate getting this kind of group together? Maybe a notice on the front page or something?

That's part of the problem, and one I ran into early in my interest in CG- lack of organisation. Too many artists are taken advantage of, stolen from, and generally ripped off because of several factors. One, the necessary information on their rights is not easily accesible or even locatable. Two, most artists are to an extent independent, and may have the willingness to help each other, but not the time or means. And three, the only currently available "organisation" is the GAG, who are UAW and put self interest first. That is one of the reasons I saw this site as such a great opportunity- to be a place where people can find the kind of information they need quickly and easily. There need to be tutorials on artists' rights, copyrights, trademarking, when and how to take legal action- all those things. It isn't enough to display your art, or put your item up for sale, and hope. Knowledge of the professional side is essential. This site could be a great resource for accomplishing that. I am perfectly willing to do my bit to see it happen.

the way I see it, there's no real risk. All they get by stealing is being able to brag about what they have on the net. The moment a company asks for a portfolio, they get frantic trying to print out low quality jpegs at high print resolutions, and its very obvious they either didn't do the work, or they don't know the software for shyte to warrant a job. as for items being up for sale, that's a whole different ballgame altogether, and that's where action could be taken. Suing for having my "The grudge" image up on some japanese site? Completely not worth my time, personally, especially for what would become of it.

The problem of art theft,... 1. Not much asking for a portfolio, cause there aren't much potential CG company in 3rd world country. But there are many mugs, printing and T shirt companies. 2. They ussually printed as shirt, poster, mug, which my point is.... They do make money. 3. Eventhough we come down to the ISP, still the boundary of law will not able you to get the thief. You can go to whatever federal officer, still they can't change what rules are running today in another country. 4. The history told us, that this is a losing fight. Don't gives up hope yet, cause in the future there will be ways to smack, stump, slice in half... the theft.