What is art theft? What is copyright? Well, the Internet exists if you’re really interested! Hehe~!
In Mauritius, there is the Copyright Act 1997 (downloadable here) and under this act has formed the Mauritius Society of Authors, the MASA. What’s upsetting is that the MASA seems to be more oriented towards the protection of art of music and written works rather than catering for all sorts of art forms.
Anyway…
Wow, I did not expect my art to be downloaded and re-uploaded in other sites by other people! As I thought that my art was not good enough for people to do so…For instance I found one [Original v.s Re-uploaded] and one of my dA friends found another [Original v.s Re-uploaded].
Does it bother me? Yes and No. Yes, because my artwork has been uploaded without actually crediting or linking back to me, or at least notifying me about this reproduction and No, because I’m glad that people do like and appreciate what I have drawn, and the two I found did not use my own works for commercial activities, rather a simple sharing. But till now I have not done anything since I did not find it necessary.
So, how should you deal with such issues?
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First, you can notify that user who has uploaded your work to at least credit or link back to your profile, thanking the person for having appreciated your work.
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Then, if it did not work, you would simply have to report the user or to the administrator of the website about your rights being affected and request the image/photo being removed.
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In worst cases where commercial activity is being involved, you should have recourse to the law.
How should you protect your works?
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Digital signatures and watermarks are the most common ways to give a piece of identification to your works, so that they can be at least traceable when found elsewhere.
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But, the best way to protect your work is of course NOT to upload them on the Internet, as well as protecting your privacy…(I find it funny sometimes when people complain about their privacy on the Internet, specially social networks, being infringed. But, on the other hand, it’s the 21st Century hey!)
Loving a work? What would be the appropriate steps?
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If you like the work of an artist, unless you have commissioned or bought their work, it is always more polite to ask the artist if you can download their work if you wish to keep a digital collection.
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If you wish to share your love for the artist, it is always better to link directly to the artist’s profile/website/artworks rather than uploading them again in another storage space.
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And if you do, it is suggested to credit/provide a link back to the artist, to avoid further legal issues! Seeking artist permission is also advised.
A more appropriate attitude towards art thieves, how?
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Why be angry with someone claiming your artwork to be his/hers? Anger will only make you grow even more wrinkles…Bear in mind that, what they have stolen, is a past work, and what they cannot steal, is your unlimited imagination and growth in skills! They’ll only lag behind!
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No need to feel depressed or sad either! They stole it, means that your artwork was worth stolen (haha), and means again that they saw value in your artwork! Although they are doing it the wrong way to show their appreciation!
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Simply leave a message/comment on the art work about the proper ownership or once again, if you have the means, have recourse to the law!
In simple words, RESPECT towards the artists you like is the most important!
P.S: How do YOU deal or will deal with such issues?
