Kraft Takes Down Photo Used Without Permission

Posted on December 23rd, 2009. Written by Rico.

If the story of local photo blogger Maki Eduardo is true, then Kraft Philippines—or at least someone working for it—used a photo without permission or even credit.

To summarize Maki’s long post (dated yesterday) on the matter, Kraft reportedly used her photo of Sto. Niño Church in Cebu for a gimmick hosted on sarapngbuhay.com, a website promoting Kraft’s Eden Cheese.

As illustrated by screen shots she posted, Maki’s photos ended up on the Kraft contest page—with the watermark removed. The offending page, according to Maki, was found at http://sarapngbuhay.com/feedmytown.php. The page has since disappeared; attempts to visit it simply redirect to sarapngbuhay.com.

Google’s cache of the website reveals nothing about the contest, with the Flash content supposedly containing Maki’s photo loading nothing.

Lessons to Learn

In any case, this isn’t the first time an independent photographer has accused an organization of using a photo without permission. What can we learn from this?

1. Never post high-resolution versions of your photos online

This doesn’t stop other websites from using your photo, but we’ll cover that later. Print media however requires high-resolution photos, and limiting access will make stealing your awesome landscape for a two-page spread virtually impossible.

People can still print your photo without your permission at smaller sizes, but at least you’re limiting their options—and still get first dibs at revealing your beautiful photos to the world in all the splendor on your terms.

2. Always put watermarks on your photos

The watermark of Maki Eduardo was allegedly erased before use, but at least she had a stronger case by pointing out how her claim—the watermark—was intentionally removed.

Some people don’t like watermarks, and with good reason. Improperly placed or sized, they can ruin a photo’s effect. However, again using Maki as an example, it’s possible to watermark photos creatively without affecting their impact.

3. Send a Bill

Anyone remember how the Manila Bulletin used Anton Sheker’s photos without his permission? Here’s a creative way to tackle photo theft from one of Anton’s readers:

When this happens, my advice is always the same.

SEND THEM A BILL.

This gives them a graceful exit and allows you to get what’s due. Works better and so much easier than litigation. If they refuse to pay, then that’s the time to call in the lawyers.

Leo

Presumably, drafting the bill will require you to compile evidence of your ownership, and proof of the offending organization’s activities—which can only make your case stronger.

Have you seen your photos used somewhere else, without due credit or payment? Feel free to share below.

Photos by: Maki Eduardo