Filipino Photographer Anton Sheker has filed a landmark case against one of the Philippines media giants and oldest newspaper, Manila Bulletin for allegedly infringing on his copyright by downloading photos from his personal blog, which were allegedly used for a travel feature without his permission.The landmark case was filed today June 5, 2008, Anton Sheker versus Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation, Ivy Liza Mendoza, Rachel C. Barawid and Editor-in-chief Cris Icban, Civil Case no. 08-436 received by the clerk of court.
This will be the first time that a case on copyright infringement and the Internet as a medium is in question. It will also be the first time that camera EXIF data will be used as evidence in the Philippines.
Original Story of infringement on Anton’s Blog
Same story picked up by ABS-CBN Interactive
This will be a test for the Philippine copyright law and protection of works by local artists. Will Anton Sheker Triumph in his quest for justice? Will your photos ever be safe online?
* Anton’s photo from his friendster profile
9:28 am on June 10th, 2008
Will your photos ever be safe online? Or in my case, artwork? I don’t think it will ever be. Anyone who posts pictures and artwork online would need to be prepared to fight for them in case their work is used without permission. That’s the risk we all have to take.
9:57 am on June 10th, 2008
a fashion designer ask me if he can use my photos for one of his article in local newspaper, and i agree not to be payed but only to be credited, but the graphic artist accidentally forgot to put my name in the credit list :(
more from here —> http://digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=9600&highlight=inabuso
2 pages! 9 photos!!! wasted…..
12:08 pm on June 10th, 2008
I hope he wins. Traditional media has to learn that just because it’s on the internet, it doesn’t mean it’s already free. They got it from his blog, so how hard could it be to get in touch with him and ask his permission for it? And then Manila Bulletin has the gall to ask him to make a formal letter/complaint to them before they take action?! I guess they didn’t own up to their sin which is why Anton resorted to filing a case. I hope he wins. I hope he wins and make the Bulletin pay hard and dearly.
12:24 pm on June 10th, 2008
[...] Melo Villareal - http://www.melovillareal.com/2008/06/10/filipino-photographer-sues-major-daily-for-copyright-infring... [...]
5:48 pm on June 10th, 2008
They got it from his blog, so how hard could it be to get in touch with him and ask his permission for it? And then Manila Bulletin has the gall to ask him to make a formal letter/complaint to them before they take action?! I guess they didn’t own up to their sin which is why Anton resorted to filing a case. I hope he wins.
11:16 pm on June 10th, 2008
It not only MB doing it but its been a practice nowadays. For me if MB is at fault the owner of the pic has his own fault too.
1:22 am on June 11th, 2008
I am completely sick from online stealing. I “like” when they are telling that you can not sue them, because the stuffm which has been uploaded on your site and was stolen, did not make you money. People! It is not about money but respect!
11:59 pm on June 13th, 2008
Hopefully he wins the case. This would be a big step in the right direction for the Philippines.