Seymour Sign and Print has successfully challenged a company over the use of the firm’s images on its website, and social media. The company were originally made aware because of an anonymous tip made through the contact form on its website.

Peterborough-based firm Ed’s Customs were wrongly using pictures from Seymour Sign and Print’s portfolio, and using it to advertise their own work. The case was taken to the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court in London, and won on October 23rd 2017.

David Hammond, joint director of Seymour Sign and Print, comments: “Initially I was surprised to find the company using our images, especially with such prominence and making no effort to alter or disguise the location. This was always a moral battle, rather than a financial battle. Looking through the defendant’s Facebook and website, it became clear we were not the only company to have our images used without consent.”

Paul Hammond, David Hammond’s father, and fellow director, adds: “I’m glad this matter has been brought to a successful conclusion, and I trust this will serve as a warning to others who feel it acceptable to plagiarise other’s work for their own benefit. The small claims track of the Intellectual Property Enterprise Courts, makes it affordable and accessible to anyone to protect their intellectual property. We should not underestimate the value of our design and creativity.”

David and Paul Hammond have been awarded damages by the court for the breach of their copyright. It is important for many professionals, including sign-makers, that the only images used should be of their own work, or photos that have had the copyright obtained to be able to use them on websites and social media.

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