Infringer Wins Samsung Photo Contest, But Is Caught

Original vs. Appropriated Image. Source: fstoppers.com

Copyright infringement is bad enough, but when you add some plagiarism salt to that wound it makes for very bad politics and cultural practice.

I’m not sure who the artist-in-thief was, but he apparently took an image from artist, Hengki Koentjoro, then had the audacity to submit it to a Samsung photo contest and claim it as his own. Unbelievable.

Unlike some readers, I don’t think this is really Samsung’s fault. How were they supposed to know the image was lifted, even if they did have each participating artist sign a release that included a rep & warranty clause. Liars will be liars. So, what was Samsung’s response upon finding out?

Samsung Camera took down the photo which was identified as stolen from all social media channels, disqualified the user for copyright infringement and violation of contest terms.

Here’s a bit more from fstoppers.com. And thanks to our friend Keri Douglas for the heads up.

Tags: Art Law, camera, contests, images, Instagram, photography, plagiarism, Samsung