COPY-IDENT is committed to fair compensation for image creators and copyright holders. Our focus is on tracking copyright infringement online, but we cannot enforce all cases. Legal, systemic, or practical reasons sometimes prevent us from pursuing a claim.
Here are the most common reasons why a case may be rejected:
1. Private Websites and Blogs
COPY-IDENT prosecutes copyright infringement only in a commercial context. We do not pursue claims against individuals or private websites and blogs.
2. User-Generated Content (UGC)
UGC presents major challenges for copyright enforcement because registered users often remain anonymous, making it difficult to identify the responsible party. Platform operators (e.g., Tumblr, Pinterest, eBay, WordPress, DocPlayer, and many forums, private sales platforms, or blogs) are generally not directly responsible for content. Therefore, most cases involving UGC must be rejected.
3. Amazon
Although Amazon sellers are commercial companies, prosecuting copyright infringement on Amazon is extremely difficult. Due to Amazon’s system for managing uploaded images, we cannot trace who uploaded a specific image, making it impossible to determine the infringer. Cases on Amazon platforms are therefore rejected.
4. Print Cases
COPY-IDENT’s processes are designed for online use only. If your image is also used in print or merchandise, we cannot accept the claim because we cannot accurately determine the total usage, which is essential for calculating damages. You may pursue these cases with your own lawyer.
5. Duplicate Claim
A claim already exists for this image on the same domain.
6. Existing License
Based on previous experience with this domain, a valid license has been provided.
7. Credit Note
If the photographer or agency is credited, the claim must be closed.
8. No Contact Information
If we cannot find the opponent’s contact information, it is impossible to send a post-license offer by email or postal letter. These claims are therefore rejected.