Copyright protects the creative work that artists pour their lives into, and ArtRewards takes any infringement of that right seriously. If you believe a work on the platform reproduces, misattributes, or misuses your creative property, we want to hear from you. This guide explains what qualifies as infringement, how to submit a clear and effective claim, how we review it, and what may follow. It is written to help you act with confidence, in plain language and step by step.
What Copyright Infringement Means on ArtRewards
Copyright infringement occurs when someone reproduces, attributes, or uses a creative work in a way that violates the rights of the person who genuinely holds them. On a curated marketplace for original art, this most often concerns the authorship and authenticity of a listed work, or the unauthorised use of protected images.
In practical terms, infringement on the platform may take several forms. Recognising them helps you frame a claim accurately.
Unauthorized Reproductions Listed as Originals
A work presented as a unique original when it is, in fact, a copy or reproduction of someone else's piece. This misleads collectors and infringes on the original creator's rights.
Stolen or Misused Images
The use of your photographs, artwork images, or other protected visual content without permission. This includes listing images that reproduce your work or that borrow your imagery to present another piece.
Misattributed Works
A work falsely credited to an artist who did not create it, or presented under a name or identity that belongs to someone else. Misattribution undermines both the genuine artist and the trust collectors place in every listing.
Unlicensed Copies Presented as Authentic
Multiple, print, or derivative versions are offered without the right to do so, particularly when they are passed off as legitimate originals or authorised editions.
If what you have observed fits one of these descriptions or raises a comparable concern about your creative rights, you are right to bring it to our attention.
What to Include When Submitting a Claim
A well-prepared claim allows us to assess the matter swiftly and fairly. Before you submit, gather the following so your report is complete from the outset. Clear, specific information is the single most helpful thing you can provide.
The Nature of the Right Concerned
Tell us what right you hold and how it applies. For example, explain that you are the creator of the original work, the holder of the copyright, or the authorized representative of the rights holder. A brief statement of your relationship to the work establishes the foundation of your claim.
The Specific Content in Question
Identify precisely which listing, image, or work you believe infringes your rights. The more exact you are, the faster we can locate it. Helpful details include:
- The title of the listing or work in question
- Any reference, link, or identifying detail shown on the listing
- The specific element you are concerned about, such as the image, the attribution, or the work itself
Evidence Supporting Your Claim
Provide material that demonstrates your ownership of the original right and the nature of the infringement. Strong supporting evidence may include:
- Images or documentation of your original work
- Proof of authorship or copyright ownership, such as creation records or prior publication
- A clear comparison showing how the listed content reproduces or misattributes your work
- Any other material that substantiates your position
Your Contact Information
Include your full name and a reliable means of contacting you, so our team can acknowledge your claim, request any clarification, and inform you of the outcome. Accurate contact details ensure the process moves without delay.
How to Submit Your Report
Once you have assembled the information above, submitting your claim is straightforward.
- Gather your details. Confirm you have the nature of your right, the specific content in question, your supporting evidence, and your contact information.
- Contact our team. Reach out through the Contact Support page and indicate that you are reporting a copyright concern.
- Present your claim clearly. Set out the four elements above in your message and attach any supporting material where possible.
- Await acknowledgment. Our team will confirm receipt and may follow up if any further details would assist the review.
A complete, well-organized submission allows us to begin our assessment immediately, which is in everyone's interest.
How ArtRewards Reviews a Claim
Every copyright report is treated with care and impartiality. Once your claim reaches us, it enters a considered review process designed to protect genuine rights holders while assessing the matter fairly.
In broad terms, the review unfolds as follows:
- Acknowledgment. We confirm that your claim has been received and is under review.
- Assessment. Our team examines the information and evidence you have provided, alongside the listing or content in question.
- Clarification. Where helpful, we may contact you for additional details or seek relevant information from the seller concerned.
- Determination. We weigh the available information and decide on the appropriate course of action.
Throughout, our aim is a measured and even-handed outcome. We do not act on incomplete or unsubstantiated reports lightly, which is why the quality of your initial submission matters so much. ArtRewards reserves the right to make a final determination on any claim.
Possible Outcomes
The resolution of a claim depends on the findings of our review. Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following may result.
Removal of the Content
Where a listing or image is found to infringe a genuine right, the offending content may be corrected, paused, or removed from the platform.
Further Investigation
Some matters call for closer examination before a conclusion can be reached. In these cases, we may continue investigating and gather further information from the parties involved while the review remains open.
Escalation
More serious matters may be escalated, which can involve account-level action against the responsible seller or referral through appropriate channels where circumstances warrant it.
We will keep you informed of the outcome of your claim. The specific action taken reflects the nature and severity of the infringement, assessed on the facts of each case.
Consequences for Repeat Infringement
A single mistake is one thing; a pattern of infringement is another. ArtRewards regards repeated copyright violations as a serious breach of the standards that protect every artist and collector on the platform.
Where a seller is found to infringe copyright repeatedly, the consequences escalate accordingly and may include:
- Removal of the offending listings
- Suspension of the seller's account
- Permanent termination of the account and removal from the platform
These measures safeguard the integrity of the marketplace and the trust that genuine artists and collectors place in it. By upholding firm consequences for repeat infringement, we protect the creative rights that make ArtRewards a credible place to buy and sell original art.
A Note on Acting in Good Faith
A copyright claim is a meaningful assertion of your rights, and we ask that every report be made honestly and in good faith. Submitting accurate information and only raising concerns you genuinely hold ensures the process remains fair for all parties and allows us to address legitimate infringement effectively.
If you are uncertain whether a particular situation amounts to infringement, you are welcome to reach out regardless. Our team can help you understand whether your concern falls within the scope of a copyright claim or whether another route may be more appropriate.
Need Help?
If you believe your copyright has been infringed, or you have a question about the reporting process, our team is ready to assist. Please include as much of the information outlined above as you can, so we can act on your behalf without delay.