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
Hello Barb, I thank you so very much for this article. I am so very happy for you! Wow, I’m impressed with it all. I had an experience about 8 years ago with a smallish city in which they used my watercolor painting for their annual Fall Festival T-shirts they sell. Yes, I did agree to having that printed on their T-shirts – I was excited. However, after many emails requesting to talk about some sort of compensation, it fell on death ears. By then, it was too late as I had given them the original to print (which I got back). I went to the fair and was at least hoping to get a “free” T-shirt(s). I went to two booths where they were selling them and one said No the other was gracious enough to give me one. (I bought one for my husband, though!) After all was over with, I wrote a letter, with the help of my art instructor, stating how artists’ work should never be used for other’s profit without compensating the artist. I wasn’t directly asking for compensation, just wanted them to know this for the future. I sent it to many on the city counsel, the committee putting on the fair, anyone (about 8 people). I received absolutely no response from anyone. To this day I am so angry about it, but over it. Being new to the artworld at the time, I just didn’t know any better. but I quickly learned just how big business can and will take advantage of those that don’t know how to navigate the system. My story is far from what you went through, but I just wanted to share it in case others could learn from it.
Again, I am delighted you were victorious in your situation! Congratulations! (And thank you for your wonderful website!)
Trish, thanks for that heartfelt story! I understand that us artists often fall prey since we are quite generous to share our work. The interest feels very supportive but sadly not really recognized. Sometimes we just need to look at the positive and hope karma comes through. It’s so nice to see all the support from all my readers.
Fantastic! So happy for you!
Congratulations Barb!
Congrats Barb! You share your Art and Techniques free-lance and I’m glad you found peace and compensation. I noted all the essentials, in case we ever need help. Thank you so much, Al
So glad you were able to get justice! Thank you for s sharing your knowhow too. You are a tremendously gifted and creative artist!
I often say it’s not about a ‘gift’, but my darn stubborn streak! ‘Not to mention that it’s been a bunch of decades that I have immersed my self in all kinds of creating and media. Mistakes also teach, just keep doing…
Congrats Barb I know it took some time. But in the end you were victorious and I’m happy for you. Hopefully it’ll send a message to others not to mess with you. That your hard work is not there for them to take. Once again congrats and thank you for the story should I ever need it I’ll be contacting them.
Thank you! I do hope it will raise awareness!
Really glad for you! Following you for years.
Wow, I really appreciate that! Thanks
Hi Barb,
Don and I are so happy to hear that Justice for Artists were able to help you out!! Nobody should be allowed to steal your ideas! We love your Halloween items! My brother still loves the skull and zipper guy. He always gets excited when it’s time for Halloween. He does not place these items outside unattended as he does not want them to be stolen. However he does display them proudly.
Thanks once again, and good for you, to not let people get away with stealing creative work.
Linda and Don
I am so glad! It’s funny, I have the smiling stone in my garden for years now! There’s some of my stuff at Textures Craft Works now, if you are in the area.
Thanks for the info, Barb. When I was working on my latest versions of toad houses in a pottery studio, many people, artists and the public, came through the studio. They saw raw clay creations before the first and second firings. I skipped a couple of art class sessions due to an injury. I returned to find not one, but many had copied my work. They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, but I was devastated. I am so glad that you had this settled.
Well done, Barb. I read your report with keen interest. I know how very generous you have always been with your help, advice, time and sharing of your art processes. To have your work stolen like that must have been almost enough to have you shut down on ANY art making whatsoever.
Good on you for pushing on, not giving in and again congratulations on the great outcome!!
Blessings, Maidi in Oz.
They say imitation is a form form flattery. My creative activities give me such a feeling of accomplishment that it keeps me going.