Legal Question in Business Law in Washington

copyright and forgery laws

I own my own photography business and have allowed a friend of mine sell my photographs under my name for me, he purchased from me my photographs with my signature, and he advertised them as mine and we've had this agreement for 15 years. I recently discovered that he had my signature removed and was copying my photgraphs and forging my signature and selling them off as mine. We had no formal business contract and he is behind in payments of $20,000. I do not know the best route to go on this, should I press forgery and copyright charges? What is the best way to have him repay his debt if I take his business away from him (which was selling my picture)?


Asked on 7/23/08, 9:06 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jonathan Cohen

Re: copyright and forgery laws

I do not know whether a prosecutor will bother prosecuting for this, as any possible theft may be seen as a possible dispute as between business partners.

You would have a better chance of proceeding is seeking an injunction against his selling your copyrighted material through equity, and also beginning an action due to his conversion of your business assets for his personal gain.

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Answered on 7/24/08, 5:13 pm


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