DaveRapozaComics
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MOTU BluRay stole my Artwork
I like to call out bigger companies whenever they steal my artwork or anyone elses, and I'm not saying I own Masters of the Universe or anything like that... But they didn't even say 'thanks for doing the work', no contact whatsoever. No change to the image, just blending it out, it's pretty crazy how obvious it is. But hey! If you like my artwork and wanna legitimately use my services, my website is daverapoza.com :D
Thanks, hopefully this gets popular enough for me to do something about it.
Dave
Allusernamesalreadyregistered
Hi. Sue the fuck out of them. You don't own the character but you sure do own your own work.
lordcinnabonhelix
Myaaah!
Jalopenis
There's a movie!?
ThedukeLeto
It's a fucking skeleton with a hood. How different does it have to look to not be yours?
joecanvas
Holy shit Dave Rapoza is on imgur?!!! Can this site get any better?!!!!
iDrinkDrano
Every time I see one of his posts I'm reminded that he's here and I squeal a little bit. Fucking awesome stuff.
IsThisTheRightWay
People pirate music, movies, games everyday but oh boy if the roles are reversed.
NATA5
This may not be the right place for this but know of any resources on how to paint digitally? I'm kind of stuck on how to render things.
ShelobTheGreat
I will upvote cause I would hate to be powerless here. Here's to hoping this might help, sorry bro.
RollyPollyGiraffe
I would take a more neutral approach of emailing and, if that fails, cycling petitions to just get credit for the work. If you sue or[1]
RollyPollyGiraffe
expect payment for their use of your fan art, then you enter incredibly bad ground for you. The original IP holder could sue your ass off.
RollyPollyGiraffe
Edit: 'IP holder' would make more sense as 'copyright holder,' in this context, I think.
BYERE
He doesn't even look like that in the movie... Why use a totally different picture? The DVD has the movie Skeletor on it.
SeanuReeves
this is shitty and all - but on a side note: that's great artwork, OP!
magneticgumby
I would hope it's great artwork, it's Dave Rapoza. I mean, he did the most badass TMNT set ever and has done work for MTG, he's well-known.
SeanuReeves
cool! do you have a link to the TMNT artwork? would love to see it!
magneticgumby
http://daverapoza.blogspot.com/2011/09/turtles-prints-delayed-for-new-buyers.html His blog w/ the images. Perusing will find you the singles
SeanuReeves
cool, thanks!
MoosePower
Long shot, but try tweeting Dolph Lundgren just to make him aware. He may have some influence, he'd also probably understand your POV too.
Oddpocalypse
Keep up the work anyways Dave. Looking forward to Skull and Shark.
Jhecht
This is kind of why you don't put anything up on the internet without a huge fucking water mark.
kekskuchen666
With how blended in the art is, even a watermark would have done jackshit. Also, it doesn't excuse the company being shit, watermark or not.
Jhecht
Very true, which is why you put it right in the main focus of the image. I'm not graphic designer, but that seems sensible to me.
JesusWalkedOnWaterToDrownInWine
Hopefully this post gets enough recognition to draw on some experts.
Mist1421
yeah but where can I buy the blue ray
chillmike
You need to explore all legal options, letting them get away with this is not cool, it just perpetuates companies doing this.
procax
Sounds like you need to call upon the power of Greyskull
NotACanadian
He tries. Oh my god does he try. He tries all the time.
MechaNinja
the power of GreySaul, imo.
bigez1988
DaveRapozaComics
Wow, woke up today to a ton of amazingly helpful messages. Thank you to everyone who has reached out, seriously, this is amazing, (1/2)
DaveRapozaComics
from what I understand, it looks like I can do quite a bit with this and will update regarding the results! I really had no idea, thanks!
DaveRapozaComics
At first I just wanted to shine a light on the blatant theft, show people what's going on for a lot of artists(not just those doing fanart)-
DaveRapozaComics
this image in particular has been stolen by t-shirt companies, facebook games, etc, and I had just about given up chasing them all down-
DaveRapozaComics
but having an idea of what is possible has helped me quite a bit. So, thanks again, I really do appreciate everything!
katokoch
Good luck OP and best wishes... you deserve to be rewarded for your work and that art stealing is bullshit! Keep your head up!
dogenuggets
"You wouldn't download a Skelletor"
wolfcannon
That sucks. Frank Langella's Skeletor doesn't even resemble the painting.
Proxy24
It actually kinda impresses me that so many major companies still try and rip people off and think no one will notice.
serrival
It's shitty workers. In game companies at least, if they find out you're stealing art you're immediately fired and blacklisted (1)
serrival
from everywhere connected to that company. It's easier to replace an artist than to deal with lawsuits and bad rep. (2)
whyexactly
I doubt the company is aware that the person who designed the cover ripped it off
CarpBlanche
yeah. This thing is going to be seen by millions of people and they think 'oh well not a chance we will get called on it'
bassguitarhero
it's not like you came up with the concept, you were taking someone else's work when you painted & promoted a character you didn't create
SlightlyNormal
Post it on Reddit, they are much more efficient at those stuff
shalmdi
I was going to call BS on this, but it actually is the cover for the Swedish version. Sorry, OP. +1
james20s
Every other blu-ray release I can find uses the actual character from the movie (the original poster). Why change the Swedish release?
SomethingOffensive
His art work was "Sweded". That movie isn't so cute, now. Is it?
ninmonkey
Send them to the dutch oven.
rxse7en
That is copyright infringement if you can prove you created it. Especially heinous as they are using it for profit.
bigpileofpun
Heinous anus.
Neversleeping
They heinous because they anus.
flassk
nothing says "i made this" like the original painting.
BothersomeGoulash
Uhh no, that's the live action MOTU. By producing the disks they have already lost money.
IAmQmazing
Guys doesn't Bill and Ted say "heinous" cause I thought it was spelled "Hanus"
BornOnAMonday
no... its their intellectual property. the most he might get is credit.
SilentZed
Copyright Infringement, sure...in our country =( Probably many others, but not all countries have similar laws unfortunately.
OddlyCantEven
"This is nothing like your artwork. Ours has HeMan standing in front. TOTALLY different."- DVD company lawyer, probably
LabyrinthCharm
Proving I created something is why I always take shit tons of in progress shots of my work.
DetectiveJohnKimball
https://lilaznkelly.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/tumblr_m3dqhkdd8e1r7mvdfo1_500.jpg
hushaboomtechnology
Someone get SVU on the line. This shit is especially heinous.
dougsbeard
if its being used for the MOTU movie from the 80s, trust me, its not being used for profit at all.
stouf761
In the criminal justice system, copyright-based crimes are considered especially heinous. [...] DUN DUN
01111001
lmao special victims unit
hushaboomtechnology
You and me, baby. We have the same mindthoughts.
myakunamewasalreadytaken
As opposed to thigh thoughts?
hushaboomtechnology
As opposed to mindgrapes.
allaeblafuebtehabiaunchorrito
O always laugh at the "heinous" part... sounds like "hiney"... yeah, apparently I'm 10...
Amythyst
...where are you from that they sound similar to you? I've always pronounced/heard them as HAY-nus and HI-nee.
allaeblafuebtehabiaunchorrito
Well, It really doesn't but thinking that it does makes me giggle each time they play the intro- I suffer from a really lame sense of humour
Sreds
Post this on Reddit.
AUsernameNotTaken
Or 4chan.
flickerdart
notyourpersonal.army
odyn3k
No, don't do that. This will hurt your cause. Get a lawyer and sue.
DamnAllTheNamesAreTaken
How will it hurt his case?
CrownFox
They could potentially argue that the work is in public domain considering that the work isn't under license and permission wasn't given.
IJustWantToBeADragon
Better call Saul.
FatmanSaul
Hello?
DaftHacker
Last i heard he was doing obituaries and was thinking about specializing in it.
QueenOfSaigon
I hear he has quite the rep
IsThatAFact
http://zap2it.tmsimg.com/tvbanners/h5/AllPhotos/284327/p284327_b_h3_aa.jpg
IAmQmazing
I love you
ninjagaidensigma
hescottbeats
'sall good, man!
PitbullsPublicist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g1IGSM3Hgs
SwarleysQuinntervention
Better call Harvey Specter
BillShatner
Denny Crane
NeOxJokeR
THEY WILL ATONE!
BatteryLife
What can we do for you Jimmy?
goldengoldblum
Slippin Jimmy!
pro9200
Damn good show. +1
BigisDickis
Damn good indeed! *puffs pipe*
Skjeggmannen
Need a will? Call McGill!
JimmyMcGill
LWRYUP
DrCereal
Hi :D My name is actually Saul and I'm hear to help!
cplchuck
"Fill me up, Chaaaaandler. You're so big."
erick1293
http://imgur.com/4fkyDWH
ShepskyHuskherd
"I want it all!! Ooooohhh aaahhhhhhh"
fabreezetheseknees
Sa'll good, man.
ninjagaidensigma
catwithacat
I'm so upset I never realized that when watching Breaking Bad
blythus
damn that last episode.... I was not prepared for the feels!
IJustWantToBeADragon
This show....I was not prepared for these feels...they do such a good job making you feel for the charecters.
fantastapotamus
I'm loving the backstory development for Saul / James and Mike.
loganus1138
I'd be shocked if Jonathan Banks doesn't win an Emmy for that Episode.
luminousbeing
I believe you mean James M. McGill.
RelativelyRelevantRelative
I believe you mean Slippin' Jimmy.
IAmQmazing
*sweet voice* Law offices of James McGill, how can I help you?
Alphatronx3
Lol. Saul is likable cuz of things like that!
IAmQmazing
The whole show is likeable period
JersTheVideoGuy
Have you called the number yet? Go to the FB page, there is a number to call for the offices of James McGill!
IAmQmazing
Sweeet! Totally doing that!
DaveRapozaComics
Thank you guys, just talked to a friend of mine whose work was also stolen. Apparently I'd have to fly to Sweden to fight it, or get an(1/2)
tangowolf
Good luck with the Swedish Bikini Team.
iDrinkDrano
If I remember Alexiuss on DA is really helpful about how to handle this sort of stuff. I've seen him help other artists before.
nagobx
I think you should take 30 minutes and talk to a lawyer and not just a friend. Lot of US companies sued all over the world.
DrCaticus
Holy shit ive seen your work on deviantart
deliciousapples
Watermark?
iCANdoTHEwave
I checked your website, and I love your League of Legends artwork!
nipaxon
On behalf of the swedish people i welcome you over here and wish you good luck in your fight for whats yours =)
drunkanddressed
This happened to someone I know too. But it was on something for a fairly popular TV show!
goulcher
Who's the distributor? I'd take it up with them over email first...
unknownmale
I've also seen some of my pictures used without permission, you don't own the rights to Heman, but you do own the rights to your picture
unknownmale
it's called copyright infringement as far as I can recall
MIIIKESAD
Im sorry Dave, I've been following you on instagram for half a year now and you are an inspiration. More power to you and I hope you win.
rusho2nd
Accessing and downloading your content off of the internet should meet the requirement for minimum contacts. Meaning they could be (1/2)
rusho2nd
Sued by you in a forum local to you. Minimum contacts involving the internet are still difficult to define, but protection is there. (2/2)
anomalyraven
How ironic.. When your country do a lot to stop copyright infringement and then you see shit like this. I hope you get what you want OP.
JamBarn
If suing isn't an option then you might simply start claiming it on your CV. No one can argue with it so count it as commissioned work!
OlympicLlama
are you a streamer on twitch that plays dark souls because I know someone who is pretty famous and uses it
rusho2nd
telll us we must knooow
zaphod
hmm wonder how they would like their movie distributed over a 1Gig internet pipe with unlimited bandwidth... just saying....
TheSqeeek
That seems fair.
thewildplum
You. I like you.
RelativelyRelevantRelative
Good luck, brah!
itotesjustsignedupfordisafteryrsoflurKING
As a swede working in law, you should contact a lawyer in Stockholm to handle this for you. 1/2
itotesjustsignedupfordisafteryrsoflurKING
Although you wont get any money to speak of, you have a clear case and a free trip to Europe...
berkay
Good luck man! Dont hold back, do not be reasonable. from personal experience, it is worth it.
charliesheen420
How can I see reddit comments on imgur!?
manwhoclaimstobedoctorbutisnt
You have to fly to Sweden and fight Dolph Lundgren. That's how Swedish law works.
itsaFUKINGjoke
Good luck man.
DaveRapozaComics
I've reached out to the company behind the artwork, I'll update with what happens, thank you all for the messages and support!
Squeezit
Posting in the hopes of an update
allahuakbar95
DUDE. DO YOU WANT TO BE RICH. CUZ THIS IS HOW YOU GET RICH. SUE THE SHIT OUT OF THEM.
Reckoning47
Commenting because fuck them, and fuck comcast too
swimbikerunrepeatswimbikerunrepeatswimbiwhatwasidoing
Commenting for a good story
WaterBeater
O.o
Xavier98
Posting for update!
JaXm
Commenting for future updates!
Alazuk88
Commenting For Updates
SomebodyalreadytookMyPants
me too
Ipurgepeople
commenting in hopes of deliverance.
Iamsonewatthis
I hope it works out, OP. I bid you a......"good journey"
EverythingIsAweseome
Tell me if you need help in Norway (Swedish companies often have connections to Norway). I love these kind of things.
archaicbookwyrm
update, please
dudeface
Dave! Huge fan of your work! Please let us know how you took care of it!
FleurDeMur
Commenting for update
TaintedGENE
hope everything works in the end OP
ghettofish
Please do an edit so I can check back later
Uknowuareboredwhenureadthewholelongusername
good luck OP
shouldawouldacoulda
dude your post exploded...nice work bye the bye. you deserve credit, we are on your side bro.
Raychillie
Please deliver update! That's bs thy used your artwork without your permission!
PuttingTheSensualBackInNonconsensual
Dude that's a GOOD fucking Skelletor. The LEAST they could have done was put it on the re-boot cartoon DVD box instead of THIS MoTU abortion
AwkwardKyle
Frank Langella Skeletor is best Skeletor.
dannythemad
HEY! That's my childhood you're ball-busting!
PuttingTheSensualBackInNonconsensual
Yo man it's MINE too! The "live action" version was an INSULT to MoTU fans! Have you watched that animated re-boot though? I know it's -
PuttingTheSensualBackInNonconsensual
sacrilege to day this but that shit was WAY better than the 80's cartoon. Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta go wipe the mustard off my cat.
dannythemad
I loved it!
whatsthisusernameofwhichyouspeak
If you do come to Sweden, you can crash at my place. I live slightly north of Stockholm.
Ymgurian
Täby? Åkersberga? Vallentuna?
whatsthisusernameofwhichyouspeak
Nope. North of, not northern part of.
rouik
Read: I live in an igloo in arctic circle with bears, penguins and Santa Claus. (jk, good on you NeuroDoc).
TheTimba
OP would like it after the syndrome kicked in.
noddie
the rarely observed but more serious "north of Stockholm" syndrome is not to be taken lightly!
thewildplum
OP, go have an adventure!
eichelburglar
Having worked with lots of licensed brand/art for merchandizing, it is a pretty weak case. Sadly all that would come out of it would be >>
eichelburglar
>> laying off the designer who used it and embarrassing the company that designed it. (Since they aren't selling your art, but retooled it)
eichelburglar
It's done in apparel, merchandise, packaging, etc. People are usually smart about hiding it. "Imitation is the greatest form of flattery."
thewildplum
So, as a graphic designer, I can just go online and find someones art I like who is from a different country and just USE IT??
eichelburglar
If taken to court (as I have seen) it boils down to inspiration vs. reallocation vs. theft. If it's the vocal point of the design it's theft
eichelburglar
If it's used like a minor asset (like here) the strongest case could be made for reallocation. But you have to fight for even that.
eichelburglar
It's called Frankenstein'ing. It's how most hot topic t-shirts and other very cheap merchandise is made.
MrBecker
Fly to Sweden and stay, we have an extremely generous immigration policy. Also the scenery in Sweden is nice too.
Squossifrage
Too bad about the economy, though.
griffl3s
And indefinite detention before being charged with a crime.
SpiffyMcFondlestick
Julian Assange?
IvannaGoodfuck
Do tell more of this generous immigration policy please
ComeOnAndSlam
From a war-torn African state? Want to live in a country where media will doxx and ostracize anyone critical of the country's immigration
ComeOnAndSlam
policies? Fan of rape and/or Islam? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Sweden is for you!
CanadiansWilllRule
I'm going to need some elaboration, svp. Have not heard of any of this.
ProgMetalMan
Not to mention the løveli lakes, the wøndërful telephøne system, and mäni interesting furry animals, including the majestik møøse.
clarkjohns
We apologise for the fault in the subtitles.Those responsible have been sacked.
Partytor
Those are Danish ö;s and ä;s. I doubt they even know what a moose is.... Danskjävlar....
arkemiffo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlTukY9fV9Y
disone
HEY dont get us danes involved in this. You can have all the internet artists you want, no need to start calling names.
birgerz
it is a monthy python refference
nearsideofthemoon
It is shitty, but they didn't steal it. Fan art belongs to the creator of the fiction, not the artist. Risk of not doing original work.
aDecentUsername
So I'm a fun of churches and want to paint them. Copyright belongs to the architect?
CanadiansWilllRule
Source, if you may?
nearsideofthemoon
Look up Fan Art on Wikipedia, read about copyright, and go from there.
animejet
There's a difference between owning the copyright to something and owning the rights to distribute a piece of work regardless of IP copyrigt
ComeOnAndSlam
Does it? That's contrary to just about everything I've heard on the subject.
nearsideofthemoon
The copyright protects the original creators and owners of the character.
nearsideofthemoon
The original creator of the character owns the character and by extension the fan art of that character.
TechGerbil
He Man is far from being the sole franchise that uses that kind of art style for the Grim reaper.
ComeOnAndSlam
Huh. I'm not sure how I feel about that. On one hand, it is his character, but on the other, fan art is more or less original work.
nearsideofthemoon
Which is why I said it was shitty. I've thought about it often. I tend to come back to the fact that it is more difficult to...
nearsideofthemoon
But yeah, not even a "thank you" still sucks.
nearsideofthemoon
...create something new that people fall in love with then create fan art of something already iconic.
DaveRapozaComics
IP lawyer to write them a mean letter. Still not sure who created the work though. I was also told posting it online would hurt the case. :(
scottneilsonconcepts
Thats ridiculous, how can posting the truth hurt the case, its nor conjecture or rumor its LITERALLY what happened, lawyers man!!!!
lallapalalable
if I remember, Youtube user DPRJones is a copyright layer that's dealt with fair use/infringement issues
lallapalalable
lawyer*
Zodi
it'll "hurt the case" by the company giving in and paying shushing fees
iguessidontknowhowtospellimaganative
Just get us an email address. I'll send them a couple of emails calling them cunts, and I'm sure a few others would too.
dogenuggets
Now this will *definitely* help the case.
D0cH0lliday
Actually the best thing you can do is this. Publicly shame them. They will definitely respond when 1 person becomes many.
klayb
you fight the power motherfucker and you fight it good, your art is amazing and its all you got, defend itttt
koinuchan
1: Not sure who created it? it wasnt you? 2: If you can't sue them, maybe we should start a boycott? 3: Kickstarter project to fund lawsuit!
nordnorge
i live in norway but can glaadly go to sweden just to kick some ass.
luminosity6
You could always delete this post and start a case. This is pretty serious if you ask me. You should sue.
shveet
When in doubt, send a tube of art herpes
HorseHeadMonster
International tire company took my photo and cropped out the watermark and posted in FB. Called a lawyer and the first offer was $8k + fees
olesiel
Fight the good fight. Please. It could happen to anyone of us!
kaos9
DO IT!@@!#$@$%@#$
OdysseusLost
Fight it all the way. You don't get to be a real hero often
Oakshadric
Down voted to help the cause!
minipancho94
My 2 cents, send them a letter calling them out on it, but ask for either recognition for the work, or referrals/commissions in the future.
raidn07
I work in the IP group of a law firm, I can get you in touch with some people if you want.
aramil31
Because it's expensive and time-consuming and you have to do all the work. Unless you've got the dosh to sue, they can get away freely.
TrueDragon13
I have a lawyer who is pretty awesome for this sort of thing. If you're interested I'll message you his details.
Ozito
Better call Saul?
TrueDragon13
It's so crazy it might just work.
aramil31
This is why they stole your work, OP. They know that random artists aren't going to be able to pursue international cases. 1/2
ButterfaceTaintClown
Or... the intellectual property doesn't belong to OP. He's made a likeness of one of their trademarks. Harbottle & Lewis are the kind of (1
ButterfaceTaintClown
Lawyers you'd need to hire, and they start at £1500 per hour. At best their earn you £500 so you'd still be down £1000. (2
ButterfaceTaintClown
H&L would say "don't bother" for free and "come back when someone steals YOUR intellectual property" #blurredlines (3
madbydesign
Doesn't matter. Companies can't use fan-art without explicit permission.
ButterfaceTaintClown
They just did.
8hourgamer
"would hurt the case" How? That sounds like hogwash.
Zaayl
Because one thing that would be incentive for a settlement would likely be signing a NDA so people don't know they are filthy thieves.
wahwahweewah
I would guess it wouldn't hurt but if the case ended up in the company's favor they could sue for slander after. Or countersue during...
ultrapwnd
"I'm going to sue you for slander because we stole your work and you complained!"
Sauroctonus
It's strange how someone can sue for slander when the "slander" is something pointing out a bad thing they actually did.
wahwahweewah
eyes of the law, OP's statement would be slander because it was "false." (2/2)
wahwahweewah
They'd have to successfully argue that they didn't steal the artwork, which would be the verdict if they won the case. Then, in the (1/2)
southafricannon
Lawyer here. In many jurisdictions, you still get copyright over your work, even if that work infringes another. This prevents the (1/2)
southafricannon
original holder from claiming all random infringements as his own, without allowing the possibility of licensing agreements. (2/2)
southafricannon
Summary: Just cos you didn't own the original rights, doesn't mean you don't have a claim for copyright infringement.
madbydesign
^ THIS