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Message: <blockquote data-quote="BackdoorArts" data-source="post: 455398" data-attributes="member: 9240">The thing is provisions are made for fair use and interpretation in derivative works within copyright laws (not that any of these are copyrighted - putting a watermark on it is not enough in the eyes of the law if the recent articles about Facebook's use of images posted is to be believed, you actually need to register the copyright with the gov't).  The posting of the image to a "Photo Sharing" site further complicates matters, both in terms of the rights of the owner and use rights of followers and other users.  If, as an IG user, I have agreed to allow the sharing of my image in some manner, what prevents anyone (ie. this asshat) from sharing it in other ways?  I see the Instagram example as a far different use of the original image than I do of the one with the gun inserted.  Right or wrong, lazy or otherwise, there's a broad variety of interpretations as to what the art represents and what was "stolen".  The perpetrator was very careful to let us know it was a "screen shot" of the Instagram feed that was enlarged and not a new piece of work utilizing the original artwork in a reconstruction that resembled it.  The difference shouldn't matter, but it likely does in a court of law, and I suspect the guy knew that before producing the work, because smart thieves doe their research before they break in and loot the place, and I wouldn't be surprised if the OP of the photo being talked about knows that.That's not to say that this sucks, or that the guy is scum of the earth, reaping where he does not sow, with no talent for art but great talent as a huckster.  He knows how to manipulate the system, which is an art in and of itself.  Don't believe me?  Watch the documentary Exit Through The Gift Shop (it's on Netflix or you can just watch it <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xtua7w_exit-through-the-gift-shop_lifestyle" target="_blank">here</a>).  The art world is populated by an abundance of shysters and pretentious pricks preying on the pseudo-intellectual snobs and wealthy wannabes anxious to say "Oh, we had a so-and-so before the world knew what that was".The fact that the internet and social media span the walls and laws of any one country makes the ruling on what is and isn't actually permissible all the more complicated, but countries should at least decide what's legal within their borders.  That said, I wouldn't hold my breath hoping that the courts will decide in favor of the artists as it would likely doom the flow of free source product for these companies that make billions off of our freely sharing our own work for whatever reasons we might have to freely stick it out there (OK, c'mon now, we know it's our ego).</blockquote>

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