What should I do if I notice an unauthorized use of my works on the internet?

Unauthorized Usage of Artworks on Fake Webshops

I discovered my artwork on a fake webshop. What should I do?
If you haven't yet, please report the website link to us. While Google will almost every times take action on their own, our team can also take steps to report these shops to relevant authorities and platforms.

Why is this happening?
The main reason is SEO (search engine optimization). By list good and legitimate content on their site, they expect to gain better search results on Google.
The digital nature of our age means it is relatively easy for some malicious individuals in some countries to create fake e-commerce shops with seemingly legitimate products (such as artworks). This isn’t unique to Artmajeur; many online platforms face similar challenges. These fake webshops aim to make a quick profit until Google removes them from their search results, or their website gets taken down by authorities.

How can I report theses sites to Google?
Use the following form: https://safebrowsing.google.com/safebrowsing/report_phish/

What can I do to get my images removed from theses sites?
Contact the website administrator using their contact page and ask them to remove any content associated with your art. The more reports they receive, the more likely the will remove contents.

How does Artmajeur protect artists' rights?
We employ digital tools and watermarking to reduce the risk of unauthorized downloads. Additionally, we're continuously educating our community on copyright protection and advising on best practices to safeguard your art.

Did the scammers stole any images?
No, it is unlikely. To save on hosting costs, most scammers use the artworks titles and set links to images on your profile, they do not need to download any images.

I want to take legal action. What should I know?
From our experience, in most situation, the fake sites will be taken down by Google before you get a chance to start any legal action. While we stand with our artists, legal action against overseas administrators can be time-consuming and costly. We recommend consulting with a legal expert familiar with intellectual property rights to evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of pursuing a case.

Can Artmajeur take legal action on my behalf?
No: while we actively advocate for artists' rights and work to report these websites, we're unable to initiate legal action on behalf of individual artists. However, we'll support you by providing any required documentation or evidence from our platform.

How can I safeguard my artworks better?
If you want to limit the risk of your images to be used without your consent, here are some suggestions:

• Activate Artmajeur watermark on images
• Use Artmajeur Platinum membership to legaly protect your images
• Communicate about how your images are legaly protected on Artmajeur to make them less attractive for unauthorized reproduction.
• Regularly reverse-search your artwork on search engines to monitor unauthorized usage and take the appropriate actions

What is Google's role in all of this?
Google, as a search engine, periodically identifies and delists suspicious or reported websites from its search results. While this doesn't automatically shut down the website, it dramatically reduces its visibility and accessibility, thus discouraging its owners.

How can the community help?
Vigilance is key. If artists come across suspicious websites or instances of copyright infringement, promptly report them. Not only to us but to platforms like Google or to your local authorities. Together, as a united front, we can reduce the reach of these fake webshops.

Are there any platforms that can help artists track unauthorized usage?
Yes, Google's reverse image search, or platforms specialized in similar image detection can help in tracking where your artwork appears online. Regular checks can help in early detection of unauthorized use.

How can I further educate myself on copyright protection?
There are several online resources and courses on intellectual property rights and copyright protection tailored for artists. We periodically share articles and updates on this topic through our newsletters and blog. Stay informed and updated.