CONCEPT-PRODUCTION copyright claim: Next Episode

What do you do when you're confronted twice with copyright claims from CopyTrack on Behalf of CONCEPT-PRODUCTION for photos whose actual owners claim they don't know the claimant at all?

This is the story of my experience with copyright claims that didn't add up - and why I ultimately filed a police report.

The First Claim: A Puzzle That Didn't Fit

In 2024, I received a claim from CopyTrack on behalf of CONCEPT-PRODUCTION regarding a photo on my website. They claimed I didn't have a valid license. The problem? I did have a license, but I couldn't connect the name of the alleged copyright holder (CONCEPT-PRODUCTION, represented by Ernest Dayang) to the party from whom I had purchased the photo.

This prompted me to investigate. Through my own research, I managed to contact the original photographer. His response was enlightening: he confirmed that he was the owner of the photo and didn't know CONCEPT-PRODUCTION.

Escalation and Intimidation

The situation escalated when Ernest Dayang accused me of defamation and slander, resulting in legal threats. Remarkably, something similar was happening on Trustpilot at the same time: negative reviews about CONCEPT-PRODUCTION - in which reviewers described similar problems - suddenly disappeared from the platform. After complaints from the reviewers, these were later restored.

Meanwhile, CONCEPT-PRODUCTION tried to get my website taken offline through my registrar. This succeeded temporarily, until my host put the site back online. A week later, the scenario repeated itself. Due to communication problems with the registrar and unwanted advertisements on my site, I decided to transfer the domain.

The Notable Pattern: Every time I asked for proof of ownership, it went silent. No response, no documentation - nothing.

The Second Claim: Same Story

Two weeks ago, history repeated itself. Again a request from CopyTrack on behalf of CONCEPT-PRODUCTION, this time for a different photo. The demand: €350 plus roughly the same amount for an annual license. I had also honestly purchased a license for this photo, but again didn't recognize CONCEPT-PRODUCTION as the owner.

My research into the actual owner was easier this time. The photo was still available on stock photo websites. Through the publisher, I found the photographer's email address. His response was crystal clear:

"I confirm that I'm the photographer who took the photo. I don't know Ernest Dayang or the company Concept Production. I still retain the copyright of the photo as I never sold it."

Legal Action

Based on these experiences, I have filed a report with the Dutch police for:

• Article 326 Sr (fraud/attempted fraud) - obtaining money through false claims
• Article 225 Sr (falsification of documents) - using false copyright documents

Call to Other Victims

Have you found yourself in a similar situation? I urge you to also file a report. The more reports that come in, the sooner authorities can intervene in suspicious practices.

For copyright holders: If your work is being used for incorrect claims, consider filing a report as well. You are being indirectly harmed when others wrongfully profit from your creations.

For website owners: Do you doubt the legitimacy of a claim you receive? Research the actual owner. Often this information is traceable through reverse image searches or stock photo platforms.

Transparency Appeal

I call on CopyTrack and CONCEPT-PRODUCTION to be transparent. Should there be misunderstandings, I am willing to modify this blog post based on concrete facts. However, my requests for explanation have remained unanswered so far.

Similarly, I have asked CopyTrack to investigate their client CONCEPT-PRODUCTION, but I received no response to this either. This silence reinforces the impression that there are matters at play here that cannot stand the light of day.

Conclusion

Two identical scenarios, two different photos, two photographers who claim not to know the alleged claimant. The pattern speaks volumes to me.

I request competent authorities to seriously investigate the practices of parties who may be filing incorrect copyright claims. Only through collective action can we ensure that copyright is protected as intended: to protect the actual rights holders.

Have you had similar experiences? Share your story and consider taking legal action. Together we can ensure that incorrect claims don't pay off.