Saturday, December 20, 2008

George Riddick lll Imageline

Has anyone else heard from Mr. Riddick and Imageline?

10 comments:

  1. Here is the most recent of the threatening emails from George Riddick and Imageline:


    CONFIDENTIAL - FOR THE PURPOSE OF SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS ONLY



    Hello Latest Riddick Victim,



    By now you certainly have me designated as the copyright "kid who cried
    wolf". We have been late implementing all of our plans. I really hate it
    when this happens. The primary reason for this 2008 delay has been that we
    wanted the new copyright laws (and a new administration, for that matter) to
    be in place before we officially launched the Copyrights: Code (Red)
    anti-piracy campaign we have been working on now for the past two years, and
    began filing lawsuits against those who choose to not to settle.



    As I have told you all along, one of two things will happen with all the
    companies we have discovered infringing our proprietary works (and there are
    hundreds of them ... unfortunately!) since January of 2007:



    1. We will settle amicably (settlement releases both the company, its
    officers and directors, and all of its infringing end user customers); or
    2. We will file a lawsuit with one of our new contingency law firms (we
    now have top notch IP law firms retained in Atlanta, Washington D.C., Lake
    Tahoe, and Los Angeles, with another one almost set to go for Canada), and
    go for the maximum remedies available to us under the law, both civil and
    criminal, if those, too, apply.



    Well, guess what? We are finally ready to launch. On Monday of this week we
    met with Marybeth Peters (Register of Copyrights) and Marybeth's "right hand
    woman", Maria Palante, for three hours in Washington D.C. We are working
    with the U.S. Copyright Office to shape new legislation that makes it even
    harder for Internet piracy to survive, let alone thrive. All companies
    interested in the protection of their copyrighted digital property available
    over the Internet will benefit from our efforts.



    While in Washington this week, we also briefed the Executive Directors of
    both the Copyright Alliance and Software and Information Industry
    Association both of which are
    involved in extensive anti-piracy activities and include Imageline among
    their executive members, regarding our new Copyrights: Code (Red) campaign.
    They response we have gotten thus far is very encouraging.



    Hear are some of the recent and upcoming events that are shaping our
    priorities and enhancing our confidence



    - The 'Pro-IP Act' will be implemented starting in January. (more resources
    available to chase down pirates and stricter penalties for infringement)

    - The proposed 'Orphan Works' legislation will now include some additional
    clauses designed specifically to protect visual artists.

    - New programs are coming out in 2009 that will force web site operators to
    choose between copyright compliance or severe consequences.

    - A new district court ruling just out from Minnesota adds precedent for the
    enforcement of Section 1202 rights for copyright holders of between $2,500
    (minimum) and $25,000 (maximum) per image (over and above any copyright
    infringement claims), regardless of registration status (a HUGE win for
    digital graphic artists and one that is causing us at Imageline, and a few
    of our select partner web sites, to adjust our settlement per image numbers
    by over 100% upward to $6,500 per infringed image).



    Sir, you DO NOT want this infringement case with you and your other
    web sites to go to court. Believe me. The results, and exposure, could
    destroy your companies and your reputation. You know that. We have never
    taken a case to court yet that didn't cost our opponents hundreds of
    thousands of dollars in legal fees, alone. And we have NEVER lost a case.
    You know you have no valid defenses under the copyright laws of this county.




    Why have you not considered settlement more carefully? Your actions make no
    sense to me at all. I simply do not understand your logic, unless, of
    course, you concluded that this east coast "kid who cried wolf" was
    bluffing. Well. We are not. I can assure you of that.



    I am a fair-minded entrepreneur. I know how difficult it is to survive out
    there in the jungle . and especially the Internet jungle. I am often
    creative in the settlements I agree to. Our lawyers are not. I won't allow
    them to be. If you would like to attempt to settle this dispute amicably
    before year end and avoid the cost of a protracted lawsuit, please give me a
    time either later today, tomorrow, over the weekend, or on Monday where you
    would be available to talk.



    Thank you. I hope to hear back from you today. If I don't I will assume that
    is a clear indication of your desire that we proceed with a lawsuit against
    you and your organizations as discussed now for quite some time.



    Sincerely,



    George



    George Riddick

    Imageline, Inc.

    _

    ReplyDelete
  2. Imageline, Inc.
    9533 Kings Charter Dr.
    P.O. Box 6275
    Ashland, Virginia 23005
    (804) 525-6941 Main
    (804)525-6943 Fax
    E-Mail: griddick@imageline2.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Subject: Flagrant copyright violations



    Dear copyright infringer:



    Please identify your outside counsel for us immediately. On November 1,
    2008, Imageline will begin the process of turning over all unresolved
    infringement cases to our new contingency law firms, filing the appropriate
    lawsuits, and serving papers on you and the other officers and directors of
    your company, as well. We would be happy to work through your outside
    attorneys if you provide us with the requested information in a timely
    manner.



    Please also provide us with the complete name and physical mailing address
    for each of your officers and/or directors that should be served at any
    location other than your company headquarters location, as identified on
    your web site and/or the "whois" international domain registration database.



    We will also seek identity of all of your customers and prospective
    customers who visited your web site(s) during the time that any Imageline
    infringed illustration or design was displayed. As I am sure you know, these
    end user customers are potentially liable for yet additional infringement
    and/or CMI removal claims. We intend to resolve all of these issues over the
    coming months.



    You have had more than ample opportunity to resolve this issue peacefully
    and professionally, and have yet chosen not to do so. We can only assume you
    must feel we are bluffing. Well, guess what? We do not bluff. If we did, we
    would never be able to convince anyone to take us seriously.



    We have selected four new aggressive and contingency based laws firms to
    work with us in this Internet anti-piracy campaign and dedicated legal
    efforts. For the most part, cases will be divided up by territorial regions,
    and, in some cases, based on the industry and customer set you serve.



    Please provide us with the required contact information as soon as possible.



    Thank you.



    George P. Riddick, III

    Chairman/CEO

    Imageline, Inc.

    P.O.Box 6275

    Ashland, Virginia 23005

    ReplyDelete
  4. Alot of interesting stuff comes up on this guy when you google him.
    I Googled "george riddick lll" and it was enlightening.
    Thank you Google!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. You mean this this "George Riddick" ... the infamous George Riddick ?

    http://george-riddick-is-an-ass.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. Apparently, our old mate George Riddick of Imageline is a hardline "anti-piracy" campaigner. His favorite targets seem to be Church Groups, Small Time Web Site Operator (read: school children), and anyone else he thinks that he "legally" threaten and bully.

    Funny thing is, he is accused of copyright violations himself - now thats the clear case of the pot calling the kettle black if I ever saw it! Check this story out for yourself...


    Again, quoting from:
    http://george-riddick-is-an-ass.blogspot.com/

    Please don't tell us you didn't know the Sydney Opera House is protected by the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia, including copyright law?

    Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the Sydney Opera House.

    Here's what Caroline Ang, Corporate Counsel at the Sydney Opera House has to say (quote):

    “The SOH brand is a very powerful brand and is well recognised all around the world. This means that the brand is one of the most important assets of the Sydney Opera House Trust. The Sydney Opera House Trust manages the use of Sydney Opera House’s image and brand on behalf of the New South Wales Government. The Trust vigorously protects the commercial exploitation of its intellectual property and does not approve use of the SOH brand in commercial contexts where there is no association between the relevant business and SOH.

    The Trust does this for two reasons - first - to protect the integrity of the brand and second, to protect its commercial value. As a non-profit arts organisation, the Trust is heavily reliant on sponsorships to support its operations and it offers brand association to sponsors of a certain value. In all cases however a sponsor is only permitted to link its product with the SOH brand in a manner that is approved by SOH and which aligns with SOH brand values.

    We hope that you can appreciate that our image and exclusivity are our most valuable assets commercially, so it is important that we protect them for ourselves and our valued sponsors.

    Images of SOH may be used by the media but not for advertising or other commercial uses.”

    So George, are you absolutely SURE the image you've produced has never been sold for commercial use? In fact, there isn't one single mention of commercial restriction within the Imageline, Inc. Terms of Service. We don't even see an image licensing agreement. How odd!

    Would it be fair to say that SOH have the absolute right to know ALL your customers and licensed distributors worldwide, audit ALL your accounts and claim compensation settlements of say, $3000 for each and every image you've sold of their property?

    Maybe we'll just ask Ms. Ang. We're sure she'll be interested.


    Please don't tell us you didn't know the Sydney Opera House is protected by the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia, including copyright law?

    Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the Sydney Opera House.

    Here's what Caroline Ang, Corporate Counsel at the Sydney Opera House has to say (quote):

    “The SOH brand is a very powerful brand and is well recognised all around the world. This means that the brand is one of the most important assets of the Sydney Opera House Trust. The Sydney Opera House Trust manages the use of Sydney Opera House’s image and brand on behalf of the New South Wales Government. The Trust vigorously protects the commercial exploitation of its intellectual property and does not approve use of the SOH brand in commercial contexts where there is no association between the relevant business and SOH.

    The Trust does this for two reasons - first - to protect the integrity of the brand and second, to protect its commercial value. As a non-profit arts organisation, the Trust is heavily reliant on sponsorships to support its operations and it offers brand association to sponsors of a certain value. In all cases however a sponsor is only permitted to link its product with the SOH brand in a manner that is approved by SOH and which aligns with SOH brand values.

    We hope that you can appreciate that our image and exclusivity are our most valuable assets commercially, so it is important that we protect them for ourselves and our valued sponsors.

    Images of SOH may be used by the media but not for advertising or other commercial uses.”

    So George, are you absolutely SURE the image you've produced has never been sold for commercial use? In fact, there isn't one single mention of commercial restriction within the Imageline, Inc. Terms of Service. We don't even see an image licensing agreement. How odd!

    Would it be fair to say that SOH have the absolute right to know ALL your customers and licensed distributors worldwide, audit ALL your accounts and claim compensation settlements of say, $3000 for each and every image you've sold of their property?

    Maybe we'll just ask Ms. Ang. We're sure she'll be interested.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Cmon George Riddick, we would all love to hear how you respond / defend yourself against these claims that you are breaching the Sydney Opera House copyright restrictions !!!!!

    Defend yourself sir!, or otherwise be labelled "George Riddick - the man guilty of wilful and flagrant copyright violations" ... a term you so joyously like to foist apon all your other victims.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Here is an extract from George Riddick pathetic, nasty and venomous little document title "Code Red - All Company Listing":

    Copyrights: Code (Red)
    Graphic Arts Content Piracy Report (January 2008)
    This is an extensive report highlighting the infringement of electronic graphic
    arts content (clip art illustrations, design templates, logos/symbols, cartoons, and
    animations) worldwide as of the end of 2007. The problem has reached epidemic
    proportions and the Copyrights: Code (Red) campaign hopes to turn this tide
    This Report is authored by Imageline, Inc., of Ashland, Virginia.
    Imageline has been fighting to combat Internet and CD/DVD digital
    piracy for over fifteen (15) years. Due to the expanded use of broadband
    Internet connections and extremely weak and inconsistent enforcement of
    copyright laws, both domestically and internationally, the war on piracy
    has reached the epidemic stage as we enter into 2008. In more than half
    the world, there are 7 to 9 stolen copies of copyrighted digital property
    used for each one properly licensed. These numbers are truly outrageous!
    We now are facing a Copyright Infringement Epidemic of enormous
    significance and consequences to both the financial well-being, and
    physical security, of the United States and other countries who produce
    original copyrighted material as well. Copyrights: Code Red intends to
    help put a stop to the growth of this piracy epidemic … while at the same
    time contributing to the Global Relief Fund to provide emergency aid
    and investment capital for the innocent victims of AIDS, Malaria,
    Tuberculosis, and starvation in the country of Africa. We need help!
    Please help us show these digital “Pirates” that we can both make a
    difference in the safety and confidence of using the Internet, AND, at the
    same time, make a difference to those people who aren’t yet able to
    benefit from the expanding influence of the Internet around the world.
    Thank you for listening. This is a noble cause on both sides of the
    equation. The only people who lose are those who steal other people’s
    property and claim they didn’t know any better. That’s not the way I was
    taught … and I certainly hope you feel the same way. George P. Riddick,
    III, Chairman/CEO, Imageline, Inc. P.O. Box 6275, Ashland, VA 23005
    These infringements have reached epidemic proportions ... sometimes as high as
    95% of all copyrighted graphic arts content found on the Internet … which make
    this type of digital piracy as serious, if not more so, than the better known
    examples of music, television shows, and movies we have all read and heard so
    much about in recent months. Unlike some of the other copyright intensive
    CONFIDENTIAL
    industries, the graphic arts industry is by and large made up of creative
    individuals and small companies, just like Imageline, that can ill-afford to have
    the bulk of their hard earned work stolen out from under them.
    The web sites listed in this Copyrights: Code (Red) Graphic Arts Content Piracy
    Report have either displayed, downloaded, distributed, promoted, or modified
    Imageline copyright-registered clip art illustrations, design templates, cartoons,
    logos/symbols, and/or animations in the quantities indicated below.
    Many have also infringed the graphic arts content owned by Disney, Warner
    Brothers, Major League Baseball, the NFL, the NCAA, the NBA, and others.
    Those companies or individuals with a double asterisk (**) beside their name are
    repeat offenders and were officially warned of their infringement activities, yet
    decided to continue with their unlawful behavior, apparently in hopes no one would
    ever hold them accountable. Sorry, Pirates, those times are gone forever.
    Companies highlighted in Green have reached settlements with Imageline, removed
    or licensed the pirated artwork, and/or their names have been redacted. Companies
    listed in Red have received official infringement notification(s) from Imageline, or
    their Internet Service Provider, and negotiations or litigation activities are currently
    being reviewed or are underway. Companies listed in Black or Blue have been found
    to be, or have been reported as, infringing, yet the extent of these activities are
    currently under further research, investigation, documentation, and review.
    Customers of all of these companies are encouraged to contact the listed companies
    immediately (or contact Imageline directly, if the companies refuse to give you honest
    answers and acceptable resolutions to these issues) to assure you that the digital
    artwork you downloaded from these web sites, or copied from their infringing
    CDs/DVDs, is properly licensed for your display and further usage. In some limited
    cases, “Fair Use” laws do provide the use of copyrighted material for educational
    research, commentary, parody, and other purposes. Please consult your own
    copyright knowledgeable attorney if you are unsure about your rights to use the
    digital artwork you have downloaded or copied.
    Ongoing research is underway on many of the below listed web sites, as their
    displayed and downloaded images change frequently. Certain confidential
    information has been redacted from this Piracy Report for public web site display.
    CONFIDENTIAL
    If any of these listed web site operators have claimed that their digital products,
    images, or services are, or were, somehow provided from resources or materials in
    the “Public Domain”, it is highly recommended that you or your attorneys ask these
    web site and product publishers to provide you documented proof of these claims.
    Imageline electronic graphic arts content is produced originally as vector artwork,
    using a sophisticated, proprietary, and lengthy design and production process
    developed by Imageline over the past 18 years. Copyright Management Information
    (CMI) and other Identification Codes are embedded in the Imageline vector art files
    which accompany each vector image. Unfortunately, these CMIs and other copyright
    identification codes are often stripped away from the individual Imageline images
    when the artwork is pirated, converted to other file formats, displayed on the
    Internet, combined with non-Imageline artwork, or otherwise unlawfully modified.
    Consequently, the infringement identification process can be very arduous and time
    consuming. Imageline tries to thoroughly investigate suspected infringing web sites a
    minimum of three (3) times to assure its infringement identifications, verifications,
    and documentation are all as accurate as possible. On occasion, an image can be
    misidentified. Technical problems can also cause verifications to be more complex.
    NOTE: If any image is presented to you as infringing, and you have any reason,
    whatsoever, to dispute any of our claims, please contact our licensing, verification,
    and compliance department immediately at licensing@imageline2.com .
    Imageline developed much of the original high quality digital artwork for the IBM
    PC platform in the early 1980s and has never once in 25 years been accused of
    infringing anyone else’s artwork, nor have we pursued damage claims for any
    artwork that was not 100% verified as being owned exclusively by Imageline, or
    Imageline affiliates, and is registered properly with the U.S. Copyright Office.
    We are very proud of this record and can assure you we will do our best to be as fair
    and understanding as we possibly can under these circumstances in our discussions
    and/or negotiations with you to resolve these disputes as quickly as possible.
    Once we inform you of the infringements on your web site or in your products, the
    ball is in your court. Please do the right thing for your customers. Don’t put them in a
    position that they, too, can be caught and held liable for copyright infringement. That
    simply is not the fair, right, or just thing for you to do. Consult a reputable attorney.

    ReplyDelete
  9. George P Riddick is deranged. this dude is out of this world, still living way before internet time. i received his threats but could not care less...f++k you George...and your lousy cliparts made in prehistory.

    ReplyDelete
  10. A very large and rapidly growing network of Riddick victims are organizing and sharing information. A large compilation of his threats and extortion tactics, which he tries to keep secret, are being assembled.
    We urge anyone that has received threatening emails from George P Riddick III to carefully document them and contact your local FBI office.

    ReplyDelete