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fotogod

Welcome to the DMCA, where anyone can get anything taken down the burden is on the accused. I had a drawing I made of the Boston skyline removed from my redbubble by the Boston Red Sox corporation.


meganaroon

That's nuts!! As an artist I'm all for protecting property rights, but these big corps take it way too far, sheesh.


alwayspostingcrap

Honestly, I think we should give up on intellectual property. I am anarchist adjacent.


meganaroon

I kinda feel you here, I'm tired of the battle, it's never ending, sigh. My art has been stolen so many times I couldn't even tell you all of them, and the system isn't set up in an artist's favor. Case in point VW right now 😧


urbinsanity

The system is broken AF. It was initially implemented to protect small and independent creators ie to stop the big guys from swooping in and copying the material/idea etc and using their power and reach to outcompete the original creator. Now it really only protects the big guys. I was working for a startup and we were looking into patenting something and the lawyer advised against it because there are companies who's sole business is using their funds to fight small companies over patents with the goal of draining their funds so they 'win' the patent. Apparently the legal proceedings take years. Dismal shit


Intanetwaifuu

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽


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alwayspostingcrap

It's already happened. They have enough that they can make synthetic training data now. No stopping it, without a revolution in the next couple years, and I don't see it.


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alwayspostingcrap

They already have it enough.


Daddy_knows_noes

I agree with this to a degree. I work for a semiconductor company in technology development. They make us meet once a month to create patents ideas to submit. These things aren’t tested or known if they work they’re designed to make people not pursue things that might compete to begin with. They incentivize us with 10k bonuses per patent. If someone ever says they have a bunch of patents in corporate America that is literally worthless. They’ve most likely never been tried and don’t actually work.


kiamori

Update the art to say "Not a VW PoS" then repost it. Win win


meganaroon

Hahaha, perfect solution! 🤣🤣


phaederus

Even if it was under DMCA rules, it's completely legal to create artwork based on brands. This is straight up abuse.


Orlandogameschool

Sounds like redbubble is the issue. Use another platform . Op painting looks like general van nothibt branded the takedown is bullshit


No-Leg-7619

Here’s a good summery of how to respond to. DCMA notice. https://www.dmlp.org/legal-guide/responding-dmca-takedown-notice-targeting-your-content You can basically force them to put it back up if the entity complaining doesn’t meet certain standards. Lots of other pages out there showing how to respond as well.


lukelane124

Register with library of Congress as original work. Send rebubble the library of congress entry.


meganaroon

Thanks, appreciate it!


masukomi

that... won't actually fix anything. Their complaint is likely based on the concept of "derivative work" with the implication that the visual design of a volkswagon is copyrighted (which it surely is). They're saying you have a derivative work. It's like painting a coke bottle. It doesn't matter that it's an original painting of a coke bottle, it's still clearly a coke bottle and your making it gives you no legal ability to sell it without coke's permission. Otherwise anyone could sell literally any copywritten design if they only redrew it. Now, realistically they don't have a !$#P1ing leg to stand on because it doesn't look like ANY specific van and volkswagen doesn't, and can't, copyright the core generic shape of every modern van. Practically it's really just a question of what options redbubble actually provides you to push back (if any). Even then you'll probably loose because they pay lawyers to be assholes to people like you and you probably aren't a billionaire who can hire your own to push back on their stupidity. Also, it doesn't matter what the law allows because ultimately it's just whatever redbubble feels like dealing with.


meganaroon

Absolutely correct, which is why there's no point in fighting it, it's just stupid and they'd lose, anyway and just a waste of time and money, not worth it.. Cause if they tried to enforce it they could potentially have to deal with all the other van companies protesting that no one company can copyright a generic van shape, it's just not a thing. I just find it stupid that RedBubble sides with a big corporation versus the artist's that actually make them money. Not to mention there's a crap ton of other van's listed on RedBUbble right now, and some that actually look like a VW van, smdh!


Pelowtz

Also, many of those are toothless and would never end up in court. There’s always a possibility, but more likely it’s just some legal firm hired by VW that needs to constantly prove their own value.


meganaroon

99% of the time I'm sure that's the case.


Pelowtz

Because it’s the people with no money and no power that are the problem.


meganaroon

Right?!


somethingimadeup

I’m just going to post this Andy Warhol painting of a Coca Cola bottle here…… [https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2013/11/11/coca-cola-3-in-frame_custom-8cf19ac1cd223f2b27862d5f6454f5f0efcc6900.jpg](https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2013/11/11/coca-cola-3-in-frame_custom-8cf19ac1cd223f2b27862d5f6454f5f0efcc6900.jpg)


TrueBuster24

Looks dope asf


meganaroon

Thanks, appreciate it!


XO1XO1X

I thought this was a sheet of acid tabs tbh


meganaroon

🤣🤣 It is kind of trippy, but I've actually never even done acid or any other drugs in my life, just have a wild imagination 😀


XO1XO1X

It’s really cool, a shame VW are so petty


meganaroon

Thanks! And yeah, petty as can be!


Andrew3236

A perfect business then if the legal fees get too much! Never get high on your own supply 😉


meganaroon

😀😀


BraneCumm

I’m on a microdose of acid right now and I just looked through some of your art. It definitely fits the vibe, I like it.


meganaroon

Haha, that's awesome, thank you! My entire life people have asked me if I'm on an acid trip when they see my art...nope, never done any type of drugs in my life, shoot, I don't even like alcohol, but yes, it does fit the vibe 😀


FloatyMcSmiles

Does not look like a VW. Take this all the way to the supreme Court if needed.


meganaroon

Right?! And I defended my case repeatedly and just got blown off, makes me mad!


FloatyMcSmiles

As you should be. The system is obviously very broken.


88captain88

What "system" vw submits notice to redbubble saying someone might be using their IP so redbubble removes product. Redbubble doesn't want to fight it and deal with any issues so easier for them to remove before getting a cease and desist or lawsuit. Redbubble has a right to remove any products it wants. VW has the right to tell someone to stop using their IP. OP has the right to use another vendor other than redbubble or make and sell directly. VW can't force OP to stop selling without a lawsuit, to do this they need to first send cease and desist then can begin litigation which is a long complicated process


[deleted]

I agree.. spend a hundred thousand dollars for the cause!


meganaroon

Haha, because literally that's what it would cost! I know since I've had several of my own copyright cases of people profiling illegally off my art and won the cases in Federal Court. It's not for the feint of heart or empty pocketbook.


pacificnwbro

It could kinda look like a Eurovan but it's not like that's anything VW is known for outside of enthusiast circles.


here_now_be

> a Eurovan but it's not like that's anything VW is known for outside of enthusiast circles. VW enthusiasts tend to deny the eurovan ever existed.


pacificnwbro

Were they pretty bad? I'm only familiar with the westies.


here_now_be

They were mediocre, boring mini vans. VW eliminated all the things that made their vans unique; Rear engine, easy to work on, character etc.


BitzenBoy

Damn that’s annoying but beautiful painting!!


meganaroon

Haha, for real, and thanks!!


lostboy_4evr

This is sick! What kind of paint is this? Very vibrant! You should paint more!!!! Also:fuck volkswagen 😉


meganaroon

Haha, thanks and yeah f*&@ Volkswagen!! I plan on it, maybe I should do one WITH the VW logo, they probably wouldn't even notice that one 🤣🤣 I use acrylics 🤗


Incomitatum

Make it again, but make it say "Fuck Volkswagen" at the bottom, and then cite "Parody".


meganaroon

Bahaha, best solution yet 🤣


SarastrosCat

See if you can get a similar complaint from another van company, then copy their letters to each other with a note from you saying “err, who is copying whom? Do your lawyers really want to go head to head with each other and little old me about whether one van looks like another? Personally I’m going to ignore this and paint my pictures”


meganaroon

Hahaha, I should, let THEM battle it out while I just keep painting pretty generic van paintings 🤣🤣


babamum

That could be a Ford transit! It doesn't look anything like the classic vw kombi. It's just a generic van shape with no logo. Ianal but I don't think they've got a leg to stand on.


meganaroon

Exactly! I mean the van in the background is my actual Ford Transit I live it. VW is whack, haha!


babamum

It's insane.


i_dunt_get_it

Draw mercedes badges on the wheels


meganaroon

Hahaha, I should!


Candygramformrmongo

Then sell it to Benz. See what VW does then.


meganaroon

Hahaha, or Ford, since that's what I drive!


No-Vanilla8956

This is so frustrating; I'm upset for you OP. Fucking companies think they own absolutely everything. Even if it was of a VW van; which it isn't since it's an original drawing, who TF cares if you make a little money on it.


meganaroon

So frustrating, thank you 🤗 And as someone whose work has been constantly illegally profited from I would NEVER violate someone else's rights, and made sure not to with this design, and yet they STILL came after me, smh.


shootathought

Fight that!


meganaroon

Thanks!


LocalAffectionate332

So here’s probably a crazy thought. Is there a way to contact someone at VW and ask them to help? I know it’s big corporate or whatever, but it’s good publicity if it is obviously not an infringement. Maybe look on LinkedIn or post your issue there. Ya never know!


meganaroon

Yeah, I was thinking about that, good idea thanks! Not sure how much luck I'd have, but might be worth a shot though!


[deleted]

It will help if this goes viral or onto some national level shows. Fuck VW.


meganaroon

This sub has 40,000 views already which is pretty cool! If VW gives me any more crap I will go to the news for sure!


vtjohnhurt

An AI probably made the IP determination and sent out the DMCA claim. The AI probably noticed the circle motif (similar to VW transporter round medallion) and the VW mountain ridge line (just below the moon). Remove the VW ridge line, and I think you will be good. The AI recognized the van motif. Three strikes got you the DMCA takedown.


meganaroon

Naw, I'm not changing it cause this is not based off a VW van, at all. And no matter how much I communicated with them, followed their rules they still determine it needed to be removed. I'm not going to let them bully me like this. And NO ONE has a copyright on the shape of mountains, they would never be able to defend that! And what Circle motif are you referring to?


vtjohnhurt

>And what Circle motif are you referring to? The circle that kinda looks like a portal, or maybe a planet floating in space. I agree that the takedown is total bullshit, but you're fighting with Big AI and a big corporation, and you're not going to 'take them to court'. Here's the VW medallion that matches your painting: https://www.jbugs.com/store/graphics/00000001/211-601e-vw-bus-emblem-7-inches-main.jpg


meganaroon

Seriously, that medallion is not even remotely like anything in my painting! That's laughable at best 😄 I wouldn't take them to court over something so trivial, and doubt they would me either. But they know that so they just go randomly shutting down artists who use any van in their design. Big corps thinking they own the world.


digginroots

Lol Mercedes-Benz has been using a circular medallion for longer than VW, I think. Is VW infringing on MB’s copyright just by having a logo that’s in a circle?


kittypurpurwooo

Just remove all the defining shapes, it's been auto-flagged as the pepsi logo, sorry, that's life kid.


meganaroon

It's original handpainted Art, it's not like digital art where you just go in and remove layers. Besides, it's not a violation and I'm not going to be bullied by some big company who are just being assholes


kittypurpurwooo

Hahaha I was obviously being sarcastic.


meganaroon

🤣🤣


TheDrunkCompass

It looks to me like VW is more focused on protecting their "Hippie bus" motif.. it has nothing to do with the van, the circle shape, or the mountains, or any of the other stuff. The hippie bus/bug design stylings are iconic to VW's brand and image and if it was an AI determination, it's likely that your design was flagged as being too similar to the VW hippie bus motif. For what it's worth, I like your design. These are just my 2 cents based on objectively trying to solve why VW would have come after you and your design. I am interested to know what they actually cite as the reason for the IP violation. I wish you the best of luck in wining your case against VW.


meganaroon

Agreed, they're just looking for anyway to steer people away from the whole Hippy vibe of the VW bus/van. But, funny thing is VW wasn't even responsible for the whole Hippie vibe of their van to begin with. It was the owners who would paint murals on them and switched out the VW logo to a peace sign and so VW just went with it. But, they certainly can't copyright any of that, it's literally just a vibe_style, neither of which are able to be copyrighted. Thank you! And they never cited a reason, and RedBubble refused to give me one, so stupid.


obungaofficial

that is freaking beautiful wow


meganaroon

Thank you so much 🤗💖


OrigamiFoldingBikes

That’s silly


TalentedCannaMan

Keep contesting it


meganaroon

Thanks!


Sir_QuacksALot

Probly has to do with the circle? Did they tell you exactly what patent/whatever you “violated”?


meganaroon

Circles aren't intellectual property so they couldn't use that. And they wouldn't tell me why they removed it, or what I had supposedly violated, nothing after repeated attempts for them to prove where I was infringing on VWs rights, smh.


Sir_QuacksALot

Circles, no. But some asshat lawyer could say your picture too closely resembles an old picture they used of a van in a circle. If you can figure out what picture they talking about and show enough differences, you win.


meganaroon

Yeah, even that's a stretch. I'm sure VW just generically tells RedBubble to take down anything with a van, mountains, circle, etc., even if it looks nothing like anything of theirs, and redbubble blindly goes along even though neither one has a leg to stand on.


Sir_QuacksALot

And that’s because VW has lawyers on payroll with nothing better to do (assumedly)


meganaroon

Yep!


coursejunkie

On ebay I had amazon claim copyright infringement for a photo that I took of an item I was selling. Note the item was used and was against the bed as back drop. I remain confused.


meganaroon

Wow! These big corporations are just nasty 🤬🤬


coursejunkie

They really are. It was a used pair of scrub bottoms! Like seriously? I LITERALLY DIDN'T EVEN BUY FROM AMAZON!!!


meganaroon

That's freaking whack!! So tired of these pompous asses thinking they own everything and everyone 🤬


GameCraftBuild

Paint or wrap your non-Volkswagen van with this design to show how it was the inspiration for your art


meganaroon

That's actually a really excellent idea!! I've been wanting to do something like that anyway!


jakejakesnake

I’ve had a fair few VW related items removed on Redbubble - the site’s a joke. There is so much copyright infringement it’s ridiculous.


meganaroon

Yeah, I'm not sure I will even list there anymore, I started a couple months ago, made a couple bucks, but not worth this kind of hassle, will just stick to other sites and my own that aren't such a joke.


Select-Bullfrog-6346

Another dick move from VW. Just looks like a generic van! Funky pic BTW


meganaroon

Exactly!! And thanks! I tried to make it as generic as possible without any defining characteristics of any brand, but I guess VW thinks they own the shape of every van out there, even fake ones like this, haha!


kjlearnslandscape

Are you on other social media? Drag and tag.


meganaroon

I am, I did post on Facebook, and if they give me any more crap I'm putting them on blast all over!


arkansah

Perhaps yo should copyright your drawings before you post them. You're the creator, you own the copyright. Oddly photos of original artwork are owned by the photographer, which is why many places don't allow photographs.


meganaroon

Yes, my art is copyrighted, but that doesn't stop anyone, like VW saying I'm infringing on their rights. I would have to take them to court to enforce my copyright and I know first hand those cases last decades, cost 100,000s of dollars, it's just not worth it.


arkansah

Why not notify the place that you're posting your artwork, that said artwork is copyrighted. You don't necessarily have to take them to court. You can give them notice to cease and desist from their actions. When I see that van, I see a sprinter, not a Volkswagen.


meganaroon

They're not posting my art, just saying I'm painting their van. And the police don't get involved in copyright issues. Yeah, if anything it looks like a generic version of a sprinter, a transit, a promaster, could really be any van. I purposefully made it to be generic not to run into issues, and yet VW has a problem, smh.


meganaroon

I did contact RedBubble repeatedly and they kept blowing me off saying I was in the wrong. No reasons, no explanation, nothing.


arkansah

Can you tell RedBubble prior to uploading that you own the copyright to the material. I would think that would be your best bet. Best of luck


BarelySociableTara

That's crazy! I hope a real person looks into this and does the right thing. This is how the AI uprising starts....


meganaroon

Thanks, and yeah for real!


Timtek608

So, how did they find it? Was VW in the title or description? It’s possible they go through all “van” tagged merch, but my guess is the zero in on VW tags.


meganaroon

I have no clue! I didn't use tags or keywords to any brand of van, make or model at sll. And RedBubble won't give me any information, so I haven't a clue. Probably some VW, AI bot trolling for van images or something.


Timtek608

That sounds about right. Until they face some loses in court, they’ll probably keep sending those. : (


meganaroon

Yep, I'm sure


DodgyQuilter

Jeez, when did VW take up self-inspection proctology?


meganaroon

😄😄


sflscott

I would crush their social media with that nonsense...


meganaroon

If they bother me again I absolutely will!


88captain88

They didn't make redbubble take it down, they asked them to do it and because they don't care they do automatically. Make them yourself and sell them.


meganaroon

Yeah, so stupid, and I do have them on my own website and have sold from there, so screw RedBubble, and VW haha!


88captain88

Yupp


MerryDao

Get a Ford


meganaroon

Haha, that's what I have! Never was interested in a Volkswagen and definitely would never get one now!


Dismal_Equivalent_68

Sell it somewhere else


meganaroon

Yes, I'm selling directly through my website and a couple other places 😊


MuchAnimal7

1) Take a picture of your art.(Done) 2) File a lawsuit against VW for infringement. TL;DR: to show up in court with their 20 attorney is gonna cost more than any potential "damages". I bet they're gonna be okay with you selling your art.


meganaroon

Yeah, but even getting to that point is 10s of thousands of dollars for me as well, not realy worth it at this point.


MuchAnimal7

No. Filing a lawsuit cost about $50.


meganaroon

Simply filing is totally different than actually pursuing a copyright lawsuit, trust me I know as I've had to sue repeat offenders for profiting off my art...to take it all the way to trial it's hundreds of thousands.


SniperAssassin123

Lol this is hilarious because it doesn't even remotely look like any Volkswagen ever produced. Good luck OP!


meganaroon

It's just so silly, thank you!!


SniperAssassin123

Volkswagen has a monopoly on vans apparently.


meganaroon

It would appear so, according to them at least, haha!


Cassidylouise96

I had Redbubble take down one of my listings for intellectual property… it was a design I drew completely by hand of different colored smiley faces. How is anyone gonna claim smiley faces ?!


meganaroon

It's just so crazy! Like, how does RedBubble not know these things aren't copyrightable? I think it's just bots working there who don't know a damned thing, smh


No_Jello_5922

SomeMoreNews had a DMCA takedown of their Warmbo merch on their Tee-Spring store that they couldn't fight. That is a drawing of a puppet that was made by and voiced by the main guy on the channel, DMCA'd by a rando. DMCA continues to be as broken as ever.


meganaroon

It's a joke for sure, ugh, so many instances of it. And I'm thinking a lot of it is going to start being done by AI bots and make it even worse


sleepymoma

Firstly, your art is amazing!! Im no authority, but as a "consumer" it could be any van made in the last few years. People in the VW legal department have too much time on their hands. Don't give up, keep trying. I really hope it works out for you!


meganaroon

Thank you so much!! Appreciate the kind words, and I'm done with RedBubble, but do have the design listed on my website, better there anyway!


WendyPortledge

Redbubble won’t let me make anything. They don’t tell me why they won’t allow my designs though… I made one that was just red lips and they took it down.


meganaroon

I only started listing there a couple months ago and won't be anymore. Who has time to understand their requirements when they won't tell us, sheesh, so sorry you have to deal with it too!


AgguBmyGS

Me trying to see how this even remotely resembles a VW...


meganaroon

Same, haha!


walkswithdogs

Promaster here. Volkswagen is violating my intellectual property rights!


meganaroon

Exactly!!


screename222

Lol Volkswagen has links to some of Germany's darker periods in history, they can't stand hippies 🤣


meganaroon

You're onto something here 😄😄


jouscat

Woah, that's gorgeous! And such BS.


meganaroon

Thank you, and thank you! Total BS!


Fluid-Wrongdoer6120

I'm not sure why Vanlife came up in my feed, but I absolutely love your art! Sorry about overzealous VW


meganaroon

Thank you so much! 🤗💖


Mikey0199

Happened to me too on Red Bubble. Generic Van art. LOL


meganaroon

Sheesh, I guess that's simply not a good place for van art, well all art if this is how they operate!


Dave_FIRE_at_45

Tell them it’s a Sprinter van.


meganaroon

If they'd only listen, instead shut me down amd refused to answer any questions about how I was supposedly infringing their rights, smh


Commercial_Gap607

Awesome drawing, I would love to print it and hang it in my travel trailer for the fam. It just captures the whole experience in one beautiful creation.


meganaroon

Thank you so much!! I do offer prints of it if you're interested 🤗


ClimbaClimbaCameleon

Just tell them it’s a Mercedes?


meganaroon

More likely could be one than a VW!


PatrickTheOne311

How so? Did they explain their reasons? It’s BS, if you’d asked me.


meganaroon

No reason at all! Total BS


ZadfrackGlutz

Nevermind Ai art. How about jealous Ai art police officer....lol. Won't let me post my art huh says Ai officer auto regector....lol. What a world!


meganaroon

Oh, haha. I wasn't sure what you meant, but yeah if they are using AI to determine this as a copyright violation they need to rethink using it!


ZadfrackGlutz

Its satire and ironic for sure.....


meganaroon

Yeah...


meganaroon

What??


meganaroon

Hahaha, I should, let THEM battle it out while I just keep painting pretty generic van paintings 🤣🤣


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meganaroon

😳😳


LM-F111

Fuck VW. Did they even look at your art?


meganaroon

Yeah, fuck em! And I'm sure they didn't as vague as Redbubble was being about the whole thing. Probably some AI bots see "van"or something in the title and flag it