Justice For Artists: Reclaiming Creative Ownership
As us artists know, our intellectual property is the fruit of our passion, time, and soul. So many of us creatives find our work duplicated, sold as knockoffs, or distributed without consent.
Justice For Artists (justice4artists.com) tackles this head-on, offering a powerful remedy: zero-cost litigation to reclaim rights and revenue. I’m sharing the results of my lawsuit after my works of art were ‘taken’ without my consent.
You remember This Spook; he has sat in my garden since 2016 and I have only ever made one! (But I do offer the tutorials to make your own). I was devastated when I discovered that my images were being used to sell plastic miniature copies of my large concrete sculptures. It was surprised when people would write me and tell me that they bought one of my pieces! What?! How? I do not sell them?! Sadly too many people got duped by seeing my original ‘real’ photographic images.
The Problem: Counterfeits That Undermine Art and Livelihood
I spend a huge amount of time, effort and resources to make my creations with my own hands! Online marketplaces are flooded with counterfeit art: unauthorized copies that infringe on copyrights and redirect earnings away from the original creators. My photos are all taken by me and I also put a watermark on them, but that did not stop them from using them without my consent, even removing the watermark. I definitely needed legal services…
My Unique Story:
After writing that post Dan Lachman reached out to me about helping me out. According to Justice For Artists; they’ve shut down 1,500 counterfeit shops and recovered over $5 million for affected artists. These numbers reveal how widespread—and damaging—the problem truly is.
Dan Lachman started the company after his own work was also stolen. After I felt safe to use his services copyrights were filed for the images. I signed the needed documents and the case was started. It turns out that 142 stores were using my images to sell their miniature imitations of my sculptures. I waited patiently from last fall… Once results and offers came in Dan updated me each week.
The Solution: No Upfront Cost, No Risk
What sets Justice For Artists apart is their success-based model:
- Zero upfront fees — you only pay if they win
- Comprehensive digital monitoring — they search major platforms for infringements
- Legal enforcement — they file cases and recover compensation for you
I am an artist, not a litigator. I let the professionals do their job. Many artists report ease and relief in working with them.
“Working with Justice for Artists… was amazing, professional, and made everything feel easy and fun. They completely solved my problem.” — Mohamed Gadelrab
Artists Speak: Real Results, Real Relief
Testimonials emphasize the emotional and financial impact reclaimed; these tools can transform creative careers:
“I felt like I was losing control… They helped me take action and restored my confidence in my work.” — Carbine
“They stepped in, took control, and delivered real results… bringing accountability and success.” — Liffi Wongso
Whether it’s independent illustrators or creators on global platforms, the stress of infringement ends when there’s true advocacy behind you.
How It Works: Detailed, Artist-Centric, and Fair
Justice For Artists walks you through a process built for creatives. I was in communication often with Dan and signed any documents required in the process. My local intellectual property lawyers had advised it was almost impossible to recover and also very expensive.
- Evidence gathering — they identify counterfeit listings across platforms
- Litigation preparation — they prepare enforceable legal cases
- Recovery & distribution — recovered funds go back to you, minus the costs agreed upon.
Their frequent presence on social media (like Instagram @justice.for.artists and YouTube) keeps creators informed and encouraged to come forward
Why It Matters
- Creative sovereignty: Your work should belong to you—not faceless sellers
- Financial protection: Recovered earnings support ongoing creative pursuits
- Professional validation: A strong advocate sends a clear message: your art matters
Your Next Step
- Visit justice4artists.com to learn more about the process and please mention me; madebybarb.com
- Reach out with links to your art and any infringing content
- Let their team handle the evidence gathering and legal action—so you can get back to making
Final Thoughts
Art is not just a product—it’s a reflection of your creativity and voice. Protecting it shouldn’t be optional or expensive. Justice For Artists offers a revolutionary path: risk-free, robust, and designed for you.
Stay informed and sign up for the newsletter.
You are probably wondering how much I managed to win??? Well, let me just say; I could buy myself a pretty nice new car with what was recovered! A local law firm had told me that it would have been very expensive if I tried to sue myself. If there are more stores that pop up or keep selling justice4artists.com will file again if there are at least 30 stores. The internet is a strange place…
‘Have questions, or ready to get started? Feel free to ask me… or get in touch with Dan Lachman
What a great outcome! I figured you might get a site closed down, but the fact that y ou got compensation for the theft is so, so gratifying. Now we just need buyers to start class actions for being sold a pup. Again, congratulations, and thank you for sharing and publicising the problem and possible solutions.
There are many ways that artists can be wronged. It is pretty clear-cut when they use an exact image. Concepts or ideas are much harder to argue about. I am not in the start of my career, but AI does worry me. However, I’ll put my energy into the ‘making’ as there is only so much!
I’m so glad you are able to put your claim back on the items you took so much time and effort to produce. Too many times we see ‘knock-offs’ taking away from the original artist. It’s about time justice was served. I’m happy for you and you got the outcome you deserved! A happy ending. Thank you for sharing with us.
Wow this is such good news! I’ve had this happen but on a much, much smaller scale and being copied without credit is the worst feeling! Will definitely pass along and bookmark these guys!
‘Sorry it happened to you! Yes, keep them in mind!
I’m so happy for you! I can’t imagine how terrible it felt to find out other people were making money and taking credit for your art. It’s good to know there are lawyers willing to help artists that have been ripped-off get justice.
I can’t imagine all the legality involved; baffles my mind. So many stores (142) were selling the plastic imitations but used my real concrete images! It also creates revenue for them, I understand.
Wow!! Just truly unbelievable people trying to pass off their things as if they created them themselves and not giving you the credit. I’m so glad that you were able to get a handle on this and that you were compensated. Shame on Facebook that they couldn’t recognize it for what it was. I hope this deters others from trying to copy your stuff and claim it as their own. Good luck to you Barb, you’ve always been great.
I do really try not to search around. I have seen entire sites with complete copy of all text & images. ‘But it zaps my energy so I go on… At east now I have someone who is quite responsive to ask!
I was curious if any of my stuff was out there and I quickly found a site that stole one of my my entire tutorials (and that’s just after searching the first thing!). Our site is monetized to raise money for Alzheimer’s- we donate 100% of all our proceeds – so seeing that really stings.
I am so happy to know there is an organization that supports and represents artists without being cost prohibitive. And congratulations on receiving justice and a settlement. I love to follow you and your work, and it should not be stolen.
Like any litigation there are parties that are also needed so it provides work for them as well. They have a pretty good system…
Glad to hear you were successful in dealing with the theft of your art and the fact that the persons involved were selling items based on your art and reaping financial rewards from your hard work and creativity. Really glad to hear the victim (you) in this case actually won and came out financially ahead. Not to mention the fact you won a law suit against the people involved in stealing your work is nearly unheard of and hopefully your success will encourage the people involved in the theft of your work to avoid taking advantage of other artists in the future. All the best and keep up your creative endeavors and adventures.
Yes, I was skeptical but so glad and surprised how it turned out!
Yeah for you and all artists. When I look at all the craft stuff sold in stores like Walmart the only thing that comes to mind is someone came up with the idea, Then it’s stolen and the manufacturer runs to China and mass produces it with slave labor. It’s all made in China so no way someone over there iscoming up with the ideas for American crafts. They are chinese. I always try to make my own. I love your work and I’m so happy for you.
Thanks. I try not to pass judgement. One thing I did learn while teaching was that some of the young international students I had in art college came from places that were much tougher than here. They had much more effort than our own students as they really wanted to excel since it was their chance to make a better life for themselves.
This is wonderful news. Good for you for sticking with it, although I’m sure it was a stressful and tedious process.
Truthfully, it was super simple for me. I only needed to show that I owned my images, sign some documents and wait. It takes some time, as most legal things do.
That is wonderful Barb! I am so happy for you and how wonderful that there are people who will fight for any other artists who have been exploited.
Yes! It started with an artist who saw the need from his own first-hand experience.