Photographer-blogger sues Manila Bulletin for copyright infringement

By: Sophia Lucero | June 11, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Filipino photographer and blogger Anton Sheker has filed a lawsuit against Manila Bulletin for copyright infringement and damages.

In October 2007, Sheker presented proof that this major daily publication used his photos of Vigan. They appeared in a Travel & Tourism article in March 2007. He got featured in the Picture Perfect column as artist of the week, but without his photos.

Even ABS-CBN, who has allegedly done the same thing to several bloggers, reported about this. According to the article:

The law does have its say on the matter. The country has a Copyright Law under the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines that protects literary and artistic works, including photos. In one of its sections, it is noted that “Works are protected by the sole fact of their creation,” an automatic copyright protection, as some may view it. Penalties for violators may be subject to fines ranging from P5,000 to P 150,000, and P1,000.00 for every day of continued violation, among others. (A copy of the Intellectual Property Code can be read here: http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1997/ra_8293_1997.html)

Does Anton stand a chance in court? Will the small-time Pinoy blogger leave a scar against a mammoth media outfit?

The same newspaper that threatened to slap me with a criminal case if continued my claim.

If Manila Bulletin has nothing to hide, why are they being defensive?

Tags: anton sheker, bloggers, copyright infringement, current events, intellectual property, manila bulletin, media, photographers, photos, vigan

4 Comments

Philippine Photographer Sues Major Daily for Copyright Infringement. » Blogalicious: a philippine photo odyssey Said,

June 11, 2008 @ 5:41 pm

[...] WordpressPhilippines.org - http://wordpressphilippines.org/blog/photographer-blogger-sues-manila-bulletin-for-copyright-infring... [...]
Carrie Said,

June 12, 2008 @ 5:48 pm

“Does Anton stand a chance in court? Will the small-time Pinoy blogger leave a scar against a mammoth media outfit?”

But he isn’t a small time Pinoy Blogger. He’s a big name in the photography industry in the country.
Sophia Lucero Said,

June 12, 2008 @ 8:31 pm

Carrie, you’re right, but a newspaper company treated him like he was nothing. A single person compared to a large, famous corporation will look small.

And I’m also speaking for the general blogging populace, who have been belittled by journalists without even crediting the good bloggers out there.
Renzie Said,

June 12, 2008 @ 11:36 pm

Someone has to put these idiots in their place. Traditional media is being threatened by the New, so they do what they can to put bloggers down. But this goes well beyond that. It’s a case of gross disrespect. That’s not right by anyone’s book.

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