Someone copied my photographs for their website

Someone copied my photographs for their website

1 answer

Answer to the question

0
0
0

10.09.2026

I am a photographer and I discovered that a business has been using several of my photos on its website without permission or credit. They say they found them online and thought they were free to use. What are my rights?

Site Administration 11.09.2026
reply date: 11.09.2026

You own the copyright in photographs you took, under the Copyright Act 1994, unless you were an employee or assigned the rights, and copyright arises automatically without registration. Using your images without permission is infringement, and the fact that they were found online does not make them free to use. Gather evidence, such as screenshots and the original files with metadata, and send a written notice that requires removal and possibly compensation, such as a reasonable licence fee. You can claim damages or an account of profits and seek an injunction, and additional damages may apply for flagrant infringement. You may also have a moral right to be identified as the author if you have asserted it. Consider a letter from a lawyer if the business ignores your notice.

Похожие вопросы

I hired a freelancer to design my logo, do I own it?

1 answer
29.06.2026
A freelance designer created my logo and I paid the invoice in full, but we never signed a contract. Now I want to trade mark it and I have been told I may not actually own it. Is that true? I would like to know what steps I should take next to protect myself.
0
0
0

Someone has registered a domain name that matches my brand

1 answer
06.07.2026
I discovered that a stranger owns the dot nz domain that matches my business name, and they are asking for a large payment to sell it to me. I want the domain but do not want to pay a ransom. Is there a legal process?
0
0
0

A website is selling counterfeits with my trade mark

1 answer
10.09.2026
I found an online shop selling fake copies of my products using my registered brand name and logo. Customers are complaining about the poor quality and blaming me. What legal tools do I have to stop this?
0
0
0

How long does copyright last and can I use very old works?

1 answer
08.08.2026
I want to reproduce an old photograph and a book from the early twentieth century in my publication. I am not sure if they are still protected or whether I can use them freely. How do I work out if copyright has expired?
0
0
0

Who owns the copyright in work I create as an employee?

1 answer
19.08.2026
I developed a piece of software and some marketing materials while working for a company, partly on my own time at home. Since leaving, I want to reuse some of it, but my former employer says it belongs to them. Who is right?
0
0
0

How does the removal of a trade mark for non-use work?

1 answer
25.08.2026
A competitor has a registered trade mark that blocks us from using a name we want, but we believe they have never actually used it in New Zealand. Is there a way to remove it from the register? I have tried asking around but nobody seems to give me a clear answer.
0
0
0

How do I protect my business name and logo in New Zealand?

1 answer
18.08.2026
I am about to launch a small brand with a distinctive name and logo, and I want to make sure no one else can use it. A friend said I should register a trade mark, but I do not know how it works or whether registration is compulsory.
0
0
0
Show all