Maybe the Only Honest Copyright Infringer Ever

By Staff
Published: 04/19/24 Topics: Comments: 0

When an expert copyright attorney phoned his photographer client, he found himself chuckling. Something strange had happened, something that had never taken place during the attorney’s decades of litigating against business people who had stolen copyrighted photos.
 
"What’s so funny?" asked the photographer.
 
"Do you remember the real estate broker who copied dozens of your photos for use on his listings?" asked the attorney. "I sent him a cease-and-desist letter. In most cases, the thieves respond with all kinds of nonsensical excuses."
 
"Well, today, that broker called me. As soon as I picked up the phone, he introduced himself and said, ’Hey, I am the guy who stole your photos. My bad. What do I owe you?’"
 
Now the photographer laughed saying, "Well, he can afford to pay because our photos have helped him sell several million-dollar houses on which he made huge commissions. But why is that funny?"
 
"Because in all my years of pursuing people who copy intellectual property, like photos, that is the first honest person I have ever spoken with," said the attorney. "And for that kind of honesty, I think we should go easy on the damages he should pay."
 
But why did he fess up?
 
"Thieves usually claim ignorance," the attorney continued, "calling it an accident, or unintentional, or they blame someone else, or say they couldn’t help take the photos because they were so beautiful."
 
Or they hire an questionable attorney who knows their client is "guilty", but uses every trick in the book to reduce or eliminate the damages their client should pay.
 
Of course, those are not defenses for theft, but somehow people feel that stealing copies of someone’s work is less dishonest than stealing money. Attorneys who help them complete the crime are as just as culpable.
 
"When I asked him why he decided to be helpful and honest, here is what he said, ’My father taught me to take responsibility for errors and not to lie about them,’ said the broker. ’In fact, it’s easier to fess up than lying to myself and disappointing my dad.’"
 
Too bad most cheaters don’t have a father who teaches them to respect others, even if it’s just about a few photographs.

Author: Staff – Contributors, Signatours Photo Team
Blog #: 1009 – 04/19/24