You’ve discovered someone using your photos without permission. Your heart sinks, frustration builds – but what should you actually do? Here’s a step-by-step action plan.

Step 1: Don’t Panic (But Act Quickly)

Take a breath. Copyright law is on your side. In most countries, you automatically own the copyright to photos you create. But evidence can disappear, so act promptly.

Step 2: Document Everything

Before contacting anyone, gather evidence:

• Screenshot the infringing page with the URL visible
• Note the date you discovered the infringement
• Save the webpage using archive.org’s Wayback Machine
• Find your original with metadata and creation date

Step 3: Verify It’s Actually Infringement

Make sure the use isn’t authorized:

• Did you license this image through a stock agency?
• Is it a legitimate editorial or fair use case?
• Did someone on your team authorize it?

Step 4: Choose Your Response

Option A: Request Removal (DMCA Takedown)

If you simply want the image removed:

1. Find the website’s contact information or DMCA agent
2. Send a formal DMCA takedown notice
3. Contact the hosting provider if the site doesn’t respond

Option B: Request Compensation

You’re entitled to compensation for unauthorized use. Options include:

• Direct negotiation – Contact the infringer with a licensing invoice
• Demand letter – A formal legal letter requesting payment
• Copyright Claims Board – US small claims court for copyright (up to $30,000)
• Legal action – Federal court for larger claims

Option C: Use a Professional Service

Services like Copyident handle the entire process for you:

• No upfront legal fees
• Professional enforcement team
• International legal network (120+ countries)
• You keep 55% of recovered compensation

Step 5: Prevent Future Theft

Once this incident is handled, set up ongoing protection:

• Upload your images to Copyident for 24/7 monitoring
• Use the Jokerist Stolen Photo Tracker plugin if you have a WordPress site
• Consider watermarking new images

Don’t let image theft slide. Your creative work has value – protect it.