Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Unauthorized Pictures of My Daughter!






It was brought to my attention a few days ago that a flyer had been going around Newark, New Jersey, and that flyer had pictures of my daughter, A, all over the front and back! That flyer is promoting Kiydiah Children's Salon and Boutique. The images of my daughter were taken from this site and used without my knowledge or permission.

Although the business owner offered an apology, she would not send the unused flyers to me or prove that they have been destroyed. The business owner told me to contact Ultimate Production Studio, who created the flyer. Ultimate Production Studio denied any wrongdoing, telling me that they take almost all images from Google.

All images and words on my blog are protected by copyright. I own the rights to my words and photos and they cannot be used without my permission. Individual photographs from a Google image search clearly state that images may be subject to copyright. Generally, model releases must also be obtained if businesses want to use photos of people for commercial gain. I signed no release on behalf of my minor child. This is a clear violation of my rights and I have contacted the proper authorities in NJ.

I'm asking all of my New Jersey readers to please keep an eye on this and let me know if you see any of these flyers being passed out, or if you see any other images of my daughter used anywhere but on this site.

107 comments :

  1. We are behind you 100% Nik.....Beth from BBC

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  2. Oh dear!!!! You know, when I first dropped by your blog, the thought crossed my mind to ask you why you place the BBB to the side or bottom of your pics... as opposed to straight through on the diagonal.... but now I'm not even sure it would have made a difference. These people have taken stealing to a whole 'nother level.
    *sad sigh*

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  3. WOW!!!! That has to be extremely aggravating!! I would suggest takign them to civil court or something especially since they were so rude. That is why I am always wary of putting my lil ones picture online. Anyone can search under a keyword and her picture might come up. What I would suggest you do also is try to coyright your pictures so that it will be illegal to take them without your permission. I do not know too much about this, but I know when I browse fotki, some ladies pictures cannot be copied in any way, shape or form. Im sorry about this, because I would be beyond pissed!!! I dont live in Newark but am close and will keep an eye out for any of these pictures. That is also false advertisement!!

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  4. Thats a good idea from Ruth also.. But your logo across the pictures so they cant be used for flyers and things like that.

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  5. that salon deserves a serious beat down. we got you, hubby A's and Little Man's back!!!

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  6. I am so sorry this has happened to you! You may want to get a lawyer to send the salon and the production company a cease and desist letter.

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  7. I'm so sorry it all went down like that. That was just not right and very disrespectful to both you and your daughter. This lady is obviously not a good person, business woman or stylist because she not only handled the situation like this, BUT, as you pointed out, SHE ISN'T EVEN PROMOTING HER OWN WORK!!! What kind of stylists doesn't promote their own work. Every flier/business card/etc that my stylist has ever put out has had both he and his work on it! I just don't understand.

    On another note, its possible that the guy was right about finding the image on google. I once googled "Big chop" because I wanted to see images of women who had done the big chop and guess who popped up? ME!! I posted pictures of myself on my blog after doing my big chop and those pictures were amongst all the rest of the big chop photos. I will say though that when you click on the picture to view, the photo and the place where the photo comes from pops up. Honestly, I have found images on google or yahoo that I have used on my blog, some I have linked back to a site and some I haven't, and I didn't know that was considered illegal until I started blogging for a website. With that said, although it could have been just a misunderstanding, considering how these folks handled this and continue to handle this, I think they were aware that they were not suppose to do that, and just did it anyway.

    I wish I knew what to tell you to do to get these people in trouble =(

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  8. WHOA I am in shock!! Do you remind if I post about this on my blog??

    Is there any way you can sue them?? I would be sooo angry!!!

    I always thought salons put their OWN styles on their flyers and sites. That's completely crazy, can you imagine a mom showing up pointing at a style and saying "do this one" lol and they can't because it was YOUR style. FAIL!

    I'm feeling your aggravation hun!! I know I will help any way I can. Let's put them on blast!

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  9. Nik I completely understand your frustration with this whole situation. I would be pissed and would certainly seek legal action. Just consult with an attorney, if nothing else because as of now there is nothing to keep them from doing this again. I would blow her phone up constantly if necessary.

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  10. Wow, that's crazy. I'm with everyone else try to find some legal counsel, because it's wrong to steal photos especially of little kids that aren't yours. I'd be interested to see if someone walks in and asks for one of A's styles and she won't have the slightest idea where to start.

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  11. I am glad you posted the flyer and put them on blast! I would have done the same. I hope you feel better soon, and a resolution comes your way.

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  12. I am so sorry that this happend to you. I have two little girls myself, therefore, I do understand the frustration. Have you thought about seeking legal advice?

    Nae from the A.

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  13. This clearly shows their unprofessionalism. You handled yourself appropriately. When people are in the wrong, they jump into defense mode and try to make it seem like they are the victim. The best thing to do is talk to a lawyer, there must be something you can do. I hope everything work out for the best.

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  14. I'm so sorry to hear this. You must feel so violated. I suggest seeking counsel to see what recourse you have, watermarking ALL of the pics on your blog, and getting a Creative Commons license on this site (they're free - Google Creative Commons). Please keep us updated on the outcome.

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  15. Nik, I would at least call a lawyer and find out what CAN be done...this is wrong on so many levels. They are basically exploiting A for their financial gain...And if they try to claim it isnt their problem, it is, because they hired this man to make a flier for their business and they had to approve this flier before it was printed out. I feel so sad and upset for you girl. I really hope that you get everything resolved. I would call her back and pull some legal talk out your butt and try to scare her. If you go as far as to say you have contacted a lawyer and he will be contacting you soon if they do not hand over the remaining fliers legal action will be taken...it may scare them straight!!!!! Good luck girl, im far from new jersey so I dont think I will see anything here. If I do I will let you know!

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  16. Wow...these people are some bums. How dare they use your daughter's image to promote themselves, and then when you confront them about their violation, they get MAD?! Are you SERIOUS? I feel tempted to call the salon.

    I bet they won't be on some "I'll call you back" and cussing you out shit if you talk about a lawyer...

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  17. I think we all should start calling these #s... I did google maps, will take lil over 5 hrs to get there... I'm sure these other shots are stolen too if he admitted to googling, I wish we could get ahold of these people too. This is ridiculous and something needs to be done. I think i'll give my lawyer a call in the morning for advice...

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  18. I can't believe this- I am so sorry. I'd hate to see your blog go, but would certainly understand under these circumstances. Most attorneys will provide consultations for free. I'd think it would be worthwhile to visit one and see what can be done to stop the fliers from being used and how you could prevent this in the future. You want to cover yourself, too - just to make sure you take the best (and legal) course of action. Best of luck to you!

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  19. So sorry to hear about this. Please take them to civil court and sue.

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  20. You need to be contacting a lawyer, stat. Those pictures are your property! Just contact one, see what they can do, and then let that "lady" at the shop know that you have taken action. That should light a fire under her behind. And that guy also needs to be lit.

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  21. So I have been sitting here thinkin about what u may be able to do and its been drivin me nuts but finally it popped into my head. You should call the local news station and explain to them what is going on...they may be interested in what is going on!! Im sure that salon wouldnt want any type of bad press when their trying to draw in business!!!

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  22. I totally understand your frustration and anger! I get super upset when even another little kid does something to my kids, let alone an adult! And them being so far away from you only adds to it. I think the best thing to do would be to contact a lawyer like everyone else has been saying, because calling them and trying to talk it out in a civil manner obviously isn't the way to go since these people seem to be ghetto and unprofessional. Then you can have your lawyer send them a letter in the mail and even call them asap to scare the crap out of them...that should do it!

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  23. This is terrible. The whole reason i stopped using Myspace because my daughters pictures were being stolen on there. Im so sorry that this has happened to you. I would deffinatley be calling the police or a lawyer of some sort to ask for advice. As you can't use images without consent.

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  24. This is Mai, gurl DON:T GIVE UP AND DONT DELETE UR BLOG!! you have a case take their unprofessional b-u-t-t-s to COURT! This guy is NOT professional if he is using images off of google. I'M A PROFESSIONAL AND I'M TELLING YOU PROFESSIONALS USE STOCK PHOTOS! Never google (i've gone to school so when i say professional i mean i am professional and this is the basics they teach in all art schools you dont use google!) In fact, i'm going to contact one of my old instructors and see if they can get me the info on refering you to a good lawyer. I'll f/b u the info when i get it. You gotta fight these theives. And Alycia needs to seriously reconsider using this so called "proffessional" of hers in the future, less she be facing more lawsuits.

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  25. I believe your material with blogger is copywritten as a blog & includes pictures. TALK TO A LAWYER. Contact the BBB in New Jersey as well as the State's Attorney in the state that you live in. Document everything!

    I'm sorry this happened.

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  26. Sorry to hear...contact your attorney general office. That is your property! GOD Bless!

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  27. Wow Nikki!! I am so sorry that this has happened to you. I know I would be just as pissed and upset as you. I would advise you to talk to a lawyer about that an also putting a copyright on your photos like maybe some kind of watermark. Please don't give up your blog, but if you have to I understand. I am a new follower and loving learning new things from you. I will pray that everything goes well for you in this situation.

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  28. Wow! That is just nuts! I would echo the commenter who suggested the better business buerea (gosh I can't spell that word) and the attorney general in New Jersey. If the attorney general in New Jersery doesn't respond, I'd talk with the attorney general for your state. The attorney general in New Jersey will be able to establish a pattern of behavior by the salon or the graphic designer.

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  29. I'm very sorry that this has happened to you. I'm an auntie who visits your site to help with my niece's hair and also you and A give me great ideas for my own hair. I think that your blog is great and extremely helpful to people who want to learn new styles. I hope you will continue with the site (protecting yourself and the kids' images any way you can) The idea that they would use the images and then be nasty when caught is disgusting. I definitely think the better business bureau can offer some help on this one. I also think this explains a lot about salon practices. I have been to hairbraiders before and have requested something that was on the card or pictured in the salon and no one in the salon knows how to do it or they have to call the only person who can do it. This will definitely make me more aware of these sorts of salons as stealers of others art/work.

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  30. You hear of stuff like this happening all of the time. You just don't think it would be you, ya know? I'm sorry . That is very disturbing. I hope this gets resolved for you.

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  31. Ok even Walgreens asks for a photo license when the pictures appear to be semi-professional pictures. If you cannot produce the license the shred the pictures. They said that they, as a printer, could be sued as well as the person who is using, and/or distributing photos.


    Don't stop blogging though!!! I have found the best way to watermark photos is to put the watermark on an important part of the picture. (Like in the middle of the hanging braids, or at the top of her head. While it might take a little detail away, it will be worth it :)

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  32. The very first time I saw your site I saw a disclaimer loud and clear: "*Please do not use/take ANY of these pictures without my permission, Thank you!*"
    If you do end up taking this issue to court you can say that you clearly stated in plain site on every page of your blog that the pictures are not to be used without permission!
    Even so, the salon owner and the person making the fliers knew darn well that what they were doing is wrong. (BTW...I just found this page a month ago and I LOOOOOVVEE it! Please don't stop what you're doing because of these fools!)

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  33. Hey girl, just wanted to say that I agree with everyone elses comments, regarding the legal actions. Being in CA doesn't help too much, but you have alot of support everywhere, so have faith. Now and in the future the pictures that your followers send you for posts as well as your own, need to have some kind of protection/block on them,so this doesn't occur again. I would research that after you handle this. I am obviously concerned as well, and will be looking in to this. I'll let you know if I find out anything. Keep your head up.
    KJ

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  34. The same thing happen to a family from the midwest. Just so happened the husbands best friend was in Europe and saw a buildboard for a market with their family holiday photo in the ad. The owner said the same thing. We got it from Google.

    After this has been resolved. Watch Inside the mind of google. We may all delete our blogs.

    I hate that happend to you and Lil A. Bad business.

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  35. Wow, this makes me so leary of posting any pictures online. I'm so sorry that this happened to you and I would absolutely hate for your blog to go :( Im with the others, check your legal options. Hope this all gets resolved soon. Sending you a big e-hug :)

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  36. Holy crap!! I am just sick for you. This is my worst nightmare. There HAS to be something you can do. It makes me wonder if something like this could happen to any one of us and we wouldn't even know about it, kwim? Oh gosh. I hope you get this resolved. Keep us updated! And, if there is anything I can do to help, email me. I'm behind you.

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  37. So sorry!!! I don't blame you for being so upset... that is just WRONG.

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  38. OH MY!!!! That is absolutely HORRIBLE!!!! I can't believe that someone could even feel ok doing that!!! Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable. If you were to report that, is anything that could be done?? Something definitely needs to be done about that. I'm very glad that you didn't delete the blog! I look forward to reading your blog everyday! I hope that something can be done about this!
    Amanda R.

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  39. Contact a lawyer immediately!

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  40. OMG that is awful! I would be furious! You definitly need to talk to a lawyer. I would not let them get away with that! You know she didn't shred the fliers and that production studio may decide to use them for another salon.

    I am sorry you have to go through that! Hang in there :(

    Brianna

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  42. Hey Nik, Sorry to hear about your daughters pictures being taking it's illegal.You should start putting a watermark, copyright symbol, and date on every single picture on your website. You might also need to lower the resolution below 72 dpi and a small width and height so if someone do try to use the picture it will come out very blurry. Also put a message on your website at the very top about the picture shouldn't be used without your permission.

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  43. I myself would have to agree with you that I do not see the logic in "googling" pictures to promote a business. Especially the multiple pictures being used as though she did the hairstyles. I would say do as another suggested and contact local news. I hope that you do not delete your blog because you provide very useful information. Perhaps you can look into software with a copyright seal for your photos? It's crazy it needs to come to this.

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  44. Hey Nik..

    I don't have any children, but I can tell you that your can't take pictures of someone else's kid and use it without permission!! For this woman to have a business, she could have been as least been understanding. What if it was her child?? and as for the "professional" designer..use stockimages for your pictures! Can't take what's not yours..

    Keep us posted on what's going on.

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  45. Hey Nik - you already know how I feel about this. Im just showing my support here.

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  46. This is very disgusting and reprehensible. How do they figure they steal photos of someone elses little girl and her hairstyles and PRETEND that they did it? Shameless! I would say sue them, but the process is very tedious, costly, and time consuming. They serious need to rectify this situation and destroy those advertisements. Maybe you can threaten legal action if they don't fix this problem.

    *Muffin*

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  47. I know you must be so damn angry about this...what kind of person steals pictures of a small child and prints them out on fliers? And then gives those fliers to just anydamnbody on the street?
    Just unscrupulous and disgusting. I hope that from now on, you watermark all the pictures you post..though it's sad that you even have to do that, smh.

    And if you see any more of those pictures around, maybe you need to get a lawyer on the phone.
    They don't have any rights to those pictures, and at the very least, it's false advertising.

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  48. P.S. God always punishes the wicked.
    Let's see how long this chick's business lasts, since she obviously can't even braid well enough to come up with her own advertising pictures.

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  49. I can't believe anyone would do that....ESPECIALLY since you have a notice not to! I would sue their pants off if I were you!

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  50. This very simple....SUE THEM!

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  51. I agree with watermarking your pictures.

    Additionally, you might want to consider making your blog private and allow readers by invitation only.

    Another thing you can do is get a tracker to show who is visiting your blog.

    Ashame you can't just trust people.
    Good luck!

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  52. I am so sorry this happened to you. You may want to check out this site: http://www.copyscape.com/
    A blogger friend uses it.

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  53. That is horrible! I actually think you should contact the police. In this day and age, you don't know what that man could be doing with your little girl's pictures. Don't back down.

    I hope this whole thing is resolved asap. Best of luck to you!

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  54. GURLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!! OMG!!!! Something told me it would come to this and she would get jazzy with you. The NERVE OF SOME PEOPLE!!! I find this to be totally out of order. I used have a business designing fliers and I would never use pictures of people without their approval. Once I couldn't find the pic I wanted so I used my own pic. I have a best friend in Newark and I will put her on this issue right away. I'll have her go by and see if they're still using the fliers. Maybe she knows this chick or someone who knows her. We've gotta put a stop to MESS like this. And I mean she used your images BIG TIME!! OUT FREAKING RAGEOUS!!!!!

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  55. I'm GLAD when you google this salon the 2nd, 4th & 5th results that come up are about her STEALING your photos. That will be TERRIBLE for business. I think for now keep the blog going or at least that post so people can see this information!!!

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  56. I'm with everyone else here & am so sorry this is happening. When I first started up my blog I had one of my littlest girls pictures taken and posted on a forum, where mean, heartless strangers made fun of my little girl on a public forum. Luckily, I too, found out about it and "it" hit the fan. To top things off, it was another mother - who had children of her own. Who does that? Don't they realize if people mess with "baby bear" they're gunna have to deal w/Momma bear too? Although it doesn't make it right - in any sense of the word -- when we put ourselves out there like we do, we run the risk of this happening. I have a site in Poland that has stolen several of my hairdo's and has the whole tutorial on their site and I can't get them to take them off. People don't realize there is someone else on the other side of the computer screen -- they just view everything online as public property - and that there are no laws that they have to abide by. It sucks. Royally. I'm so sorry you're having to go through this - and that so called "business" should be shut down. Maybe you could get some locals to go picket the salon and give them bad press. Hey -- you could run an article in a newspaper out there or something maybe?? Just a thought.

    Good luck - you're in our prayers. (Sorry to ramble on so long!)

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  57. Nik, PLEASE get a lawyer immediately and have them send or hand deliver a cease and desist letter to BOTH the salon AND the production company (send by FedEx, UPS, etc. for signature). You can probably get a lawyer pro bono or for a small fee (maybe you have a friend or acquaintance who's a lawyer?). Something tells me that this is not the first time your pictures have been used by this guy, we probably just don't know about it. Plus, now that they both know you're not in Newark, they probably won't dispose of what they have or stop future uses. Write down and record all communication you've had with both parties via phone (date, time, what was said, etc). Present this information and copies of the e-mails to your lawyer. These can be used if you decide to take legal action and/or seek monetary damages. As you do this, please go ahead and watermark all your pictures, start with the one used since there's nothing on it.

    Do you know anyone in Newark? If so, maybe this person can secretly investigate by going to the salon after you've sent the letter, to see if the fliers are still being used (checking counter at the reception, asking for flyer for friend). Actually, they should probably go now too.

    Hang in there Nik.

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  58. um.... File a lawsuit. Obviously if the people behind this are unscrupulous enough to use photos without permission and using the photos unethically, then they are obviously not people who are going to listen to reason over the phone. Why waste your energy dealing with them. Go find a lawyer and start proceedings against them. Why even bother calling so many people so many times. That is NOT SMART.

    Dont be just as ghetto as them. Go get a lawyer and file a lawsuit. you are better than that.

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  59. ---@ PRINCESS HAIRSTYLES ---when I've searched AF. AM. children's hair or braids I've come across ur pics under yahoo images BUT they do say they are coming from ur site, I would suggest to all the mothers posting their children's pics to #1 Never use their children's names or nicknames #2 Don't give any info to where u may live #3 consider blocking ur children's faces #4 use a banner/watermark

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  60. That is horrible! I feel for you....I would definitely sue them. And please put a watermark on ALL of your pictures so you won't have to go through this again. Sad....

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  61. ---@ Princess Hairstyles I have seen ur pics when searching Af. Am. children's hair/braids But it does state that the pics are from ur site. All the mothers who post pictures of their children have to use their own discression I would consider #1 Not using ur child's name/nickname #2 Not giving any info about ur location (city/State/school)#3 Use a diagonal banner/watermark #4 Consider blocking ur childs face in the pics Good luck ladies, sorry ur having to deal with this Nik

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  62. You need to have a lawyer call them, see if they hang up then...

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  63. You have all the right to be angry. I literally would have taken her to court. its definitely a legal dispute on copyrighting infringement and theft. Those pictures belong to YOU. And they should have asked permission to use them. It's clear as day, thats stealing!

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  64. Hi, I'm from Australia. I went to the trouble of finding the email for this salon in business listings. I sent them an email letting them know even here, we know what they have done and are disgusted. Definetely grounds for legal action. Sorry you have to go through this garbage, for helping out others.

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  65. Hey dear. i am VERY and extremely sorry to hear about this. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE put the BBB sign diagonally and bolded through the pics.

    I really hope they will be human enough to send you the fliers.

    Praying for you dear. All will be well.

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  66. I agree. You should get a lawyer to immediately send the studio as well as the salons a letter to cease this or be subject to punitive damages. And I hate to say it but your header will unfortunately need to be revised or have your title across the images. There is no telling how many idiots could have possibly stolen your babies pics.

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  67. Sorry this has happened to your and A. How shameful

    Winona

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  68. Oh my gracious that is so disturbing to me!! I'm truly sorry that you are going through this. Maybe there is some legal issue that you can look into regarding this. And it may be a good idea to put "BeadsBraids&Beyond" across your photos like a copyright. I'll be praying you get this resolved.

    ~Tootles!

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  69. Hi,my name is Sheena,24yrs. and although i'm not a "follower",I do read your blog daily and I must say that I am outrage that they done this to you.What I would do is(not to be evil but,some people need to know their place!)go on ever business site that their promoting their business on and tell everyone about what they did.On top of that,I would blast their names all over the internet and make people ashamed and afraid to go in to their shop and I would keep calling and harrasing them.I mean,what can they do?If they try to call the cops on you,that will be like calling the cops on themselves because you have proof that she's your child,not theirs!That way,they'll start to lose business and change their names and move somewhere else.They wouldn't think of doing this to you or anyone else ever again! Good luck&GOD bless! P.S. Hopfully,you don't mind me saying that. :)

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  70. Um...I would also like to say that I hope you don't stop blogging.I understand why you want to,but,it seems like you enjoy doing this and I don't think you should let your enemies stop you from doing what you LOVE!Don't let them win!I think you should make your logos transparent.You can see the logo and the hair style at the same time.That way,they won't be able to steal it.

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  71. Hmm, I work around the corner from this place and am going to take a walk by there on Friday to see if they are still using the images and fliers. I'll be back to report then.

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  72. Hi Nikki,

    First let me say that I am soooo sorry to hear about this. I am just as OUTRAGED and shocked as you are. I think it is so lame and dishonest for both the salon and the production guy to have used YOUR own styles and your daughter's pictures to promote this salon.
    But what outrages me the most is that they wont even admit to their fault and mistake! It makes me sooo upset and I feel your pain.
    The first thing that came to my mind when I read that they had stolen your pictures was a lawsuit...but then again, it would take so much time, energy and money...if I was a lawyer I would have gladly offered you my services but unfortunately I am not.
    So in the meantime, all I can do is offer you my moral support.
    Know that I am so sorry that such *idiots* and dishonest people are making you think twice about this blog. I totally understand your reaction though.
    But know that you have the support of all your faithful readers (me included ^_^) and that we all hope this issue will be settled shortly.
    Please keep up the good work with this fantastic blog and stay strong.
    Sarah.

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  73. Get a lawyer and put this company on blast! Report her to the BBB if you have to. This makes no sense. Clearly they are stolen and it's not fair to future customers or to you're baby girl.

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  74. Wow, Im shocked at the nerve of some people.

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  75. Just wanted to show you & A some love. I really hope things get worked out for you. I agree with others about contacting the BBB. ((HUGS))

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  76. i dont get it your pictures are tagged! so how the heck can someone just grab them?? and your right click does not work because i tried to get your button and had to type it out instead of right clicking! so i just wanna know how they were even able to even get your pics!

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  77. You should put their phone # up on here so all your fans can let them know they are in the wrong here too! :) Ironically today I was having a ton of traffic from Turkey, and I've got a site over there that's got another one of my pictures without my permission. Not that it makes it any better - but at least you can contact the people & speak their language! Hang in there -- hopefully this all comes to an end soon.

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  78. This is highly unethical. I would suggest calling and filing a report with the Better Business Bureau. If this woman is a member of any association dealing with hair, I would let them know who they are dealing with. Also, the state of New Jersey must have a consumer advocacy group. I would find out who it is, call and write them. It is a shame there are folks making fliers without fully knowing they can't use someone else's images. Just because something is in Google, doesn't mean it's free or that the owner grants permission for such use.

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  79. I'm sooo sorry about this Nikki!! I have 3 daughters and would feel the same way if someone stole their pictures and used them. I pray that this get handled and you never have to deal w/ this mess again. God bless.

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  80. Babes in Hairland told me about this on the phone today and I had to come stand being you and tell you that a lawyer may be a good investment. Your daughter is underage and no consent form or release was signed as a model release. By them not destroying the fliers and treating you the way they have is insane! I think they should also compensate you at this point for the fear they have certainly instilled in you.

    Good luck! I am so sorry this is happening to you-- and YOUR DAUGHTER is BEAUTIFUL! So they have good taste in cuties, but really bad taste in going about business.

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  81. Why do so many people think any image indexed and made searchable by Google is okay to use anywhere? Each image result clearly states that the image may be subject to copyright.

    So sorry this happened.

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  82. People need to be aware that when you put your child on the internet you are putting them out there for the entire world to see. There are far worse things that could have happened.

    I understand your outrage and this kind of stuff should not be happening! I learned a few years ago the hard way to never put my daughters pic on the internet.

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  83. I'm extremely sorry this happened. Can't you take them to court so they can be punished for that? I don't understand people that steal pictures that do not belong to them. It makes me wonder now about all of the flyers that I see and if the images on them are stolen. I hope you can solve this issue and that it never happens again.

    If you need anything for your readers/followers, although I can't speak for everyone, I can say that we will help you fight!!!! :-)

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  84. This is sad. It is hard to safeguard pictures. I know someone's husband and he knows how to photoshop banners and watermarks from professional and online pictures. It's just not right. People put their time and effort into the pictures and it is not fair for someone else to profit from it. I would definitely contact a media/news outlet that does human interest/whistle blower stories. Good Luck

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  85. I'm so sorry Nik, I hope this all gets resolved soon.

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  86. I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. This happens to be a huge fear of mine when it comes to putting my Daughter's photos online.
    Another option is posting an ad on Craigslist. With all the people that traffic Craigslist, you could be put a "beware notice".
    Good luck, I hope all this is resolved very soon for you!

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  87. Report this to the BBB, surely they can do something to both parties involved!!

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  88. I'm truly appalled that someone would do this. Upon reading this story , I decided to google beads braids and beyond this link came up and a few of your pictures did come up. Although the name is listed on the photo, it could be very easy for someone to crop that information and use her photos without your permission. I just thought I'd let you know, they could have possibly got the photos from there. I'm so sorry that this happened to you.

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  89. how awful! In future, the best protection is to watermark all of your pics or blur your daughter's face in future pics. I hope you find a resolution soon!

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  90. Get an attorney and sue them. Also, if your local tv news has a Seven On Your Side, or something like that - I'd contact them.

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  91. Oh MY!! That is awful!! I'm so sorry that happened to you!

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  92. Ew! People are not right ANYMORE! Tell me you're doing SOMETHING about this!

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  93. That was so wrong for them to do that but im glad you caught it!!1 i enjoy all of the pictures of the beautiful styles you have created! I can speak for myself and others when i say that we are very grateful for you sharing your creativeness and you and this site is very much appreciated!!!! Im in California but if i see anything from this site i will be sure to let ya know!!God Bless you and i hope all turns out good for you! Sue they buts in civil court!!!

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  94. Beautiful hair styles and nice blog.
    Just a thought: you might want to redact some of the critical contact information for the salon that used your daughter's images without permission. Why give the business any more free advertising?

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  95. what they did was wrong. i am allowed to use google images in my graphic design classes because my work is not being distributed for profit. however, they make it very clear that when we get clients we have to be legit and purchase our images. what's sad is you can sometimes see on photoshopdisasters.blogspot.com, major fortune 500 companies use istock photographs with the logo watermark on their ads and try to pass this off as there own. it is illegal and you deserve to be compensated.

    i know you are doing all you can to fix this. keep the faith and keep us posted on what happens. hugs!

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  96. How did you superimpose the logo/watermark over your daughter's image. I posted a few pictures of my daughter on my blog, but I concealed a her face in all of them. I want to be able to use photos occasionally to make a point, but I want to protect her image, too.

    Thanks,
    DreamyEyes
    lattecafe.wordpress.com

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  97. That is just WRONG! I'm not in Newark, NJ too often but I am in the NJ area so I will keep an eye out!!

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  98. I must say that is just sad that we live in a world where people would do such things.

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  99. Wow!!! I hope you sue them!!

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  100. i'm sorry this happened to you! i wuld b pissed off too. i looked at their facebook page and this is what they posted about the whole situation:

    Kiydiah's Kidz
    Kiydiah's Kidz We have shredded all flyers that we had and ones we back tracked. We are not bad people, this was a mistake. We have appologized to this person, more than once. We ask that you keep us in your prayers and we ARE PUTTING THIS IN GOD'S HANDS. Have a blessed day.
    January 14 at 2:57pm · View Feedback (1)Hide Feedback (1)
    Ivy Sanchez likes this.
    Kiydiah's Kidz
    Kiydiah's Kidz The flyers were to attract the parents to let them know we are here and we caterer to children.. Our name is being slandered all over the internet because of this. We have complied with this person's request to stop distributon.
    January 14 at 2:51pm
    Kiydiah's Kidz
    Kiydiah's Kidz To our loyal customers, friends, and family. A situation has come up. We were accused of stealing pics of a lil girl and puting them on our flyers. We were not using these pics to promote hairstyles, we hired a company to prepare the flyers and this is what we recieved.
    January 14 at 2:46pm

    hmmm ... thoughts?

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  101. WOW!! I would be sooooo mad!!! Just shows how good you are at braiding, someone wants to steal your pics!

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  102. I cant belive they did this.
    They should have asked.. or maked some hair styles by them self, they are a salon!
    They're just making it harder for them selves.
    I understand that you are angry, i would be to, and wauww i could also just see my parents faces if they saw something like that..
    But also another shown on how amazing u are to making hair styles.

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  103. You are right... the photographer retains the copyright of the photograph (as his/her intellectual property). If you are the photographer you are that person. You have the right to license those photos for use in a commercial publication. Because your photos were used without proper licensing you are entitled to compensation (you were cheated out of your licenseing fee). You can sue for that (a reasonable amount). You should do it.

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