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COOK COUNTY RECORD

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Artist Sues Online Marketplaces for Copyright Infringement

Federal Court
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Virginia M. Kendall, Chief Judge at USDC Northern District Illinois | https://www.law.uchicago.edu/

In a compelling legal battle, an artist is taking a stand against alleged online copyright infringement by numerous unidentified defendants. Jonas Sebastian Jodicke filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on November 4, 2024, targeting several partnerships and unincorporated associations identified only in a confidential Schedule A. The lawsuit accuses these entities of exploiting Jodicke's creative works without permission through various online platforms.

Jodicke, known for his vibrant and spiritual artistic creations featuring majestic animals and fantastical landscapes, claims ownership of multiple federal copyright registrations. His lawsuit contends that the defendants are unlawfully selling products derived from his copyrighted images through interactive internet stores targeting U.S. consumers, including those in Illinois. According to the complaint, these infringing activities not only violate Jodicke's exclusive rights under the Federal Copyright Act but also damage his reputation and financial interests by flooding the market with unauthorized goods.

The artist's frustration is palpable as he describes an overwhelming "game of whack-a-mole" against a network of anonymous infringers who allegedly operate under fictitious identities to evade detection. These defendants are accused of using sophisticated e-commerce tactics to mislead consumers into believing they are purchasing legitimate Jodicke products while actually distributing counterfeit items at lower prices. The complaint highlights the challenges faced by creators in policing their intellectual property rights amidst the rise of global e-commerce platforms that facilitate such illicit trade.

Jodicke seeks both injunctive relief and monetary damages from the court. He requests an order preventing further infringement and requiring the destruction of all unauthorized copies of his works. Additionally, he demands compensation for actual or statutory damages due to willful copyright violations, along with coverage for legal fees and costs incurred during this legal pursuit.

Representing Jodicke is attorney Keith A. Vogt from Keith Vogt Ltd., based in Chicago, Illinois. The case has been assigned Case No.: 1:24-cv-11351 in front of judges at the Northern District Court of Illinois.

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