stolen artwork

[HYNES]

I designed a poster and some merch last year for a specific event, and I retained all the rights and never sold 'usage' of the design to anyone. However I just flipped through a magazine and saw said design chopped up, rearanged, and photocopied REALLY badly. It looks like shit. Ive heard about it for a while but just got to see it. The real problem is its being used to promote this years version of the event. My name was on the poster these elements (main artwork/logo) were taken from, but no credit was given, nor any attempt to contact me made. Its a big event and I know from experience how much money is apt to change hands. Has this ever happened to anyone and if so is there anything I can do about it? I would like to get some payoff, but I'm trying to figure out what type of figure I should be aiming for. Any suggestions??

[kozik]

The same as they paid you last time.

[HYNES]

Thats the thing these guys are entirely different promoters, on the other coast. they have no clue what I got paid, and I dont think its going to be as simple as calling up and going, "heres the problem, gimme some cash"

[kozik]

you have copies of the paperwork and a sample of the stuff from year 1?

[HYNES]

I have samples, and a copy of the check i think. Also last years promoter is a GOOD friend, and will back me up in any way.

[HYNES]

...as an afterthought, I not really sure how extensively they've been using it. Im not sure if its being used as the poster or merch, but ive seen the b+w ad and have heard its been around for a while.

[kozik]

you need the thing that says you retain copyrights and usage etc.

get a deposition from the original promoter as well. get a lawyer to write a letter and mail then your demands etc. they will pay. if not send copies of the same to ALL bands etc involved. at least you can make a fuss. Perhaps also send the same plus a letter to the local PC weekly.

you can make a lot of noise.

[Speed]

Green Day stole my work I did for Blink 182/Green Day Pop Disaster US Tour and used it in Europe. It took a fan in England torecognize and alert me. Luckily I had a great lawyer (friend from college) and we had a "bomb clause" for just such a situation. Gotsta cover yer ass, this is such a dirty business, and although we are the angels, we get treated like the hookers (sometimes it feels good, sometimes it feels.........). Call up and go Speed bi-polar bear on em and start screaming about suing them into their mechanical royalties, they'll cut a check in a hurry, make it sound like yer way to busy to fuck around, they'll flip like a fish, trust me, they don't have nearly the tenacity we do.

[piemel]

Document everything you do and keep files......