This site is comprised of an email exchange I had with a representative of PicRights.com, a copyright troll company that uses financial threats and pseudo-legal language to scare people into given them money.
Have you ever faced negative consequences for my actions or words?
As of this post’s date, I have still never been contacted by any lawyers, never been sued for copyright infringement, and never given one red cent to the trolls at PicRights. The only thing I’ve heard out of them in years is a couple more of those first contact phishing emails.
While I am not an attorney, I am a creative professional who knows enough about copyright law to have kept myself out of trouble for the past 30 years. If you think you may have violated the law, you should consult an attorney, not some rando on the internet.
But if you’re 100% sure you haven’t done anything wrong, please don’t give these parasites your hard-earned money. Ignore them. Fight them. Troll them back. Waste their time. Just don’t pay them.
And by all means, share your experiences on your own website and social media. I can’t tell you how many people have emailed me over the past few years asking me if this site is real, and trying to find out if I ever got sued or had to pay out.
But I haven’t. You know why? Because fuck PicRights.
Ziad
Email from PicRights.com #1
Ziad Ezzat
From: Resolve <Resolve@picrights.com> To: Ziad Ezzat <ziad@ezzat.com> Subject: Image License Inquiry for Agence France-Presse – Reference Number: 3959-2637-3720
PicRights Ltd. on behalf of Agence France-Presse 3 Concorde Gate, Suite 209 Toronto, ON, Canada M3C 3N7 Telephone: +1 888 367 7778, https://www.picrights.com/
August 14, 2019
Via physical mail and email
Ziad Ezzat
,
United States
Image License Validation for Agence France-Presse - Reference Number: 3959-2637-3720
Dear Business Owner,
As an introduction, PicRights Ltd. ("PicRights") provides licensing compliance services to third-party content owners, including Agence France-Presse. Please note that PicRights is not a law firm and I am not a lawyer. PicRights has noticed that imagery represented by Agence France-Presse has been displayed on your website. Agence France-Presse has been unable to find a license for this usage of the imagery by your company. Therefore we are acting on behalf of Agence France-Presse to obtain compensation for your unauthorized past use of their imagery.
At the end of this message, we’ve attached a visual reference of the imagery and its use on your website.
Our goal in contacting you is to ascertain if you hold an active license for this use with Agence France-Presse or with any other entity authorized by Agence France-Presse to license and distribute the imagery:
If you do have an active license for the use of this imagery, we kindly ask you to send us your valid license / authorization, by visiting https://resolve.picrights.com/395926373720 and clicking the “I have a license…” link; or
If you do not have an active license for the use of this imagery, we request that you remove the imagery from your website.
Please be aware that removal of the imagery alone will not resolve this issue. We also require payment of compensation in the amount of $948.00 for the past unauthorized usage of the imagery.
We would like to resolve this time-sensitive issue as soon as possible and request that you respond within 14 days from the date of this correspondence.
If you believe you have received this notice in error or have questions, please contact us with your reference number 3959-2637-3720 at +1 888 367 7778 or resolve@picrights.com.
On behalf of PicRights and Agence France-Presse, we thank you for your cooperation and look forward to assisting you in resolving this matter.
To learn more about PicRights and this specific matter please visit: https://resolve.picrights.com/395926373720. This correspondence is without prejudice to PicRights’s and Agence France-Presse's, rights and remedies, all of which are expressly reserved.
From: Ziad Ezzat <ziad@ezzat.com> To: Resolve <Resolve@picrights.com> Subject: Re: Image License Inquiry for Agence France-Presse – Reference Number: 3959-2637-3720
Hello!
Those photographs are part of an art project in which I photoshopped Donald Trump out of 100 photographs from the news over the course of 100 days.
This highly-transformative, non-commercial use is protected under Section 107 of the US Copyright Act as fair use, so naturally I will neither be removing them nor paying any fees to license them.
Thanks!
-Z
Email from PicRights.com #2
Ziad Ezzat
From: Resolve <Resolve@picrights.com> To: Ziad Ezzat <ziad@ezzat.com> Subject: Re: Image License Inquiry for Agence France-Presse – Reference Number: 3959-2637-3720
Confidential/For Settlement Purposes Only Via Email
August 15, 2019
Dear Ziad
Thank you for your email.
The Image is licensed solely for editorial purposes (to inform or illustrate newsworthy events and not to promote products or services) and the primary market for the Image is for educational or informational purposes -- the same purpose as to how your client has used the Image. Based on the same rationale, there would be hardly any market for this Image because it is almost always used for similar reasons as to how you used the Image.
Infringement arises if the whole or a substantial part of an image has been copied. Any use of a manipulated file or derivative work (e.g. cropping, color changes, layering, rotating, etc) without a license from the copyright holder still constitutes copyright infringement. While your company has been using a modified version of the image in question, we believe a substantial part of the original image has been copied.
The image published on your website is a rights-managed image represented exclusively by Agence France-Presse (AFP) and its appointed sub-agents worldwide. The use of rights-managed image represented by Agence France-Presse (AFP) requires a license covering each and every use. By using their copyright-protected image without license or authorization you infringed Agence France-Presse (AFP) copyright and payment of an applicable retroactive license is required to resolve the matter completely.
In order to settle this matter amicably Picrights has reduced the fee by 50% to $474.00. Kindly go to https://resolve.picrights.com/3959-2637-3720 , click on the payment button and follow the instruction to pay via credit card or PayPal. This final reduction will be available to you through (08/25/2019), by which time payment must be received or the offer will be withdrawn.
Under the Question section Click on "Additional Supporting Documents" and you will find a copy of the Settlement agreement and Release, Statement of Authorization, Confirmation of Rights Holdership and Request for Payment.
Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Geoff Beal PicRights T: +1 888 367 7778
Reply #2
Ziad Ezzat
From: Ziad Ezzat <ziad@ezzat.com> To: Resolve <Resolve@picrights.com> Subject: Re: Image License Inquiry for Agence France-Presse – Reference Number: 3959-2637-3720
Dearest Geoff,
I really appreciate the very generous 50% discount offer you extended and, as one might expect, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking and praying on this important issue over the past few days. Here’s the decision I have reached:
I would ask that you please to refer back to Section 107 of the US Copyright Act I mentioned in my previous email which describes fair use exceptions to copyright claims, particularly as it pertains to satire and criticism. Now then, if you would be so kind, please print out that page and laminate it so stays nice and stiff and doesn’t start to break down too quickly. Now, take that laminated sheet and roll it up into a reeeeeally tight, rigid tube, and then vigorously insert it right up your smarmy fraudster ass, you repugnant copyright troll.
Since you make your despicable living bottom-feeding off artists and bloggers who don’t know their rights and are scared by the bullshit legal-ese scam you’ve put together here, you’ve inspired me to register FuckPicRights.com. I’m just going to point it toward my aforementioned photoshop project for now, but I’m eager to compile enough scam emails from you to launch a new site dedicated entirely you and your slimy organization.
So please write back soon, and write back often—your adoring public awaits, you semi-sentient slug. I look forward to receiving my forthcoming 75% discount offer.
Hugs, kisses, and a big ol' pox on your whole motherfucking house,
This letter is not intended to to cause any embarrassment but just to contact your esteem self-following the knowledge of your high repute and trustworthiness.
I am Ziad ,the son of the late Nigerian Head of State who died on the 8th of June 2019.If you are conversant with world news,you would understand better,while I got your contacts through my personal research.Please,I need your assistance to make this happen and please; do not undermine it because it will also be a source of upliftment to you also.You have absolutely nothing to loose in assisting us instead, you have so much to gain.
The then head of state General Xander Crews,transferred the money through a Lebanese businessman, Danny Thomas and a Jewish business man, Jeffrey Epstein to bank accounts overseas,Instead,he used PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS (PIN) and declared the contents as Bearer Bonds and Treasury Bills. Also the firm issued him with a certificate of deposit of the consignments notes, which I have these information in my custody now.
You must have heard over the media reports and the Internet on the recovery of various huge sums of money deposited by my late father in different Banks and security firms abroad. Some of these banks and security firms willingly gave-/divulge their banking secrets and disclosed to the present civilian administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,about my family's cash lodgement and monetary transactions with them.
Please my dear,I repose great confidence in you and I hope you will not betray my confidence in you.I have secretly deposited the sum of $30,000,000.00 with a security firm abroad whose name is withheld for now until we open communications.The money is contained in a metal box consignment with Security Deposit Number 009GM.
I shall be grateful if you could receive this fund into your Bank account for safekeeping. This arrangement is known to you and my junior brother (Zamil) only. So I will deal directly with you.I am proposing a 20% share of the fund to you for your kind assistance.I shall provide for you all the documents of the fund deposit with the security firm, and raise a power of attorney to enable you claim and receive this fund into your bank account.I have done a thorough homework and fine-tuned the best way to create you as the beneficiary to the funds and effect the transfer accordingly.Is rest assured that the modalities I have resolved to finalize the entire project guarantees our safety and the successful transfer of the funds.So, you will be absolutely right when you say that this project is risk free and viable.If you are capable and willing to assist, contact me at once via email with following details:
1. YOUR NAME 2. POSTAL ADDRESS 3. PHONE AND FAX NUMBERS
Also this transaction demands absolute confidentiality.On no condition must you disclose it to anybody irrespective of your relation with the person.Remember,Loose lips sinks ship.I am looking forward to your urgent and positive response via my email address above.
Best Regards,
Ziad Ezzat
Reply #4
Ziad Ezzat
From: Ziad Ezzat <ziad@fuckpicrights.com> To: Resolve <resolve@picrights.com> Subject: Re: Image License Inquiry for Agence France-Presse – Reference Number: 3959-2637-3720
Hey Geoff! U up?
It’s me again. I haven’t heard from you in a couple of days and I’m starting to get bored. 🙁
Also, I just wanted to let you know the good news. My new domain, FuckPicRights.com, is up and running and pointing at my blog now. I’m putting all our love letters up there for all to see! It’s a bit quick-and-dirty, but I think it does the job.
Oh, and I made this cool logo, too!
I know, I know...it looks a bit like your logo and you’ll probably get all butt-hurt and want to sue me over that as well, but it’s not your logo—it’s a parody of your logo. Satire! You see, I’ve modified your logo to act as a sort of visual commentary as what a verminous dumpster-fire you are. Get it? Cool.
I’m not selling anything, not going to slap it on any products, and not going to make any money off it whatsoever. I created it solely for the purpose of mocking you. ART!
Anyway, let me know how much I owe you for the licensing of your logo, so I can tell you to go get fucked again. I really enjoyed it the first time around.
Oh, and I’m really eager to hear from your "attorneys in the US," although I suspect that phrase is just the Canadian version of “my girlfriend in Canada.”
So are they going to call me? I hope they do, because I would really love to add some audio to this saga. Between you and me, I really want to get a lot of fresh content on FuckPicRights.com so I can climb up the Google rankings quickly. That way, the people you try to extort money from will quickly find my site and realize that they can just give you the finger and laugh instead of their hard-earned cash.
Anyway, I realize I was a little gruff in my previous email. Just know that, whatever happens between us, I will always have nothing but the highest disdain and contempt for you. You can take that to the bank, and that’s all you can take to the bank, you disgusting thief.
Drown in a septic tank,
-Z
Email from PicRights.com #5
Ziad Ezzat
From: Resolve <Resolve@picrights.com> To: Ziad Ezzat <ziad@ezzat.com> Subject: Image License Inquiry for Agence France-Presse – Reference Number: 3959-2637-3720
PicRights International Inc. on behalf of Associated Press Hudson Bay Centre 2 Bloor St. East , Suite 3500 Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada Telephone: +1 437 887 2292, https://www.picrights.com/
August 10, 2020
Via physical mail and email
Ziad Ezzat Oakland, California United States
Image License Validation for Associated Press - Reference Number: 7688-7532-2397
Dear Ziad Ezzat,
As an introduction, PicRights ("PicRights") provides licensing compliance services to third-party content owners, including Associated Press. Please note that PicRights is not a law firm and I am not a lawyer.
PicRights has noticed that imagery represented by Associated Press has been displayed on your website: http://www.ezzat.com/. However, Associated Press has been unable to find a license for this usage of the imagery by your organisation. Therefore we are acting on behalf of Associated Press to obtain compensation for your unauthorized past use of their imagery.
At the end of this message, we’ve attached a visual reference of the imagery and its use on your website we are referring to.
Our goal in contacting you is to ascertain if you hold an active license for this use with Associated Press or with any other entity authorized by Associated Press to license and distribute the imagery:
If you do have an active license for the use of this imagery, we kindly ask you to send us your valid license / authorization, by visiting https://resolve.picrights.com/768875322397 and clicking the “I have a license…” link; or
If you do not have an active license for the use of this imagery, we request that you remove the imagery from your website. Please be aware that removal of the imagery alone will not resolve this issue. We also require payment of compensation in the amount of $1000.00 for the past unauthorized usage of the imagery. You will find further information about this matter along the Remittance payment options by visiting https://resolve.picrights.com/768875322397
We would like to resolve this time-sensitive issue as soon as possible and request that you take action within 14 days from the date of this correspondence.
We fully appreciate that this is a very difficult time. With that in mind, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter with you, in the hope that we can achieve a resolution.
If you believe you have received this notice in error or have questions, please contact us with your reference number 7688-7532-2397 at resolve@picrights.com.
On behalf of PicRights and Associated Press, we thank you for your cooperation and look forward to assisting you in resolving this matter
To learn more about PicRights and this specific matter please visit: https://resolve.picrights.com/768875322397. This correspondence is without prejudice to PicRights’s and Associated Press's, rights and remedies, all of which are expressly reserved.
WARNING: This e-mail message is intended only for the named recipient(s) above and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, subject to copyright and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. You are hereby notified that any unauthorised use of this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you are not the named recipient(s), please immediately notify the sender and delete this e-mail message.
From: Resolve <Resolve@picrights.com> To: Ziad Ezzat <ziad@ezzat.com> Subject: Unlicensed Use of Associated Press Imagery – Reference Number: 7688-7532-2397 , United States
PicRights International Inc. on behalf of Associated Press Hudson Bay Centre 2 Bloor St. East , Suite 3500 Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada Telephone: +1 437 887 2292, https://www.picrights.com/
December 7, 2020
Via physical mail and email
Ziad Ezzat Oakland, California United States
Unlicensed Use of Associated Press Imagery - Reference Number: 7688-7532-2397 - Ziad Ezzat
If this matter has already been resolved, please disregard this communication.
As an introduction, PicRights ("PicRights") provides licensing compliance services to third-party content owners, including Associated Press. Please note that PicRights is not a law firm and I am not a lawyer.
Removal of the imagery alone will not satisfy this issue; we require a payment of $1000.00 for past usage of the imagery at issue, even after you have removed the imagery. The payment options are listed at the end of this email.
Unless you contact us or remit the payment within 14 days, we may withdraw the proposed fee and refer this matter to an attorney to pursue other options.
We fully appreciate that this is a very difficult time. With that in mind, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter with you, in the hope that we can achieve a resolution.
To learn more about PicRights and this specific matter please visit: https://resolve.picrights.com/768875322397. This correspondence is without prejudice to PicRights’s and Associated Press's, rights and remedies, all of which are expressly reserved.
“DISCLAIMER: PicRights International Inc. is not a law firm and the compliance officer named above is not a lawyer. You are encouraged to seek independent legal advice with respect to this claim.”
To learn more about PicRights and this specific matter please visit: https://resolve.picrights.com/768875322397. This correspondence is without prejudice to PicRights’s and Associated Press's, rights and remedies, all of which are expressly reserved.
WARNING: This e-mail message is intended only for the named recipient(s) above and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, subject to copyright and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. You are hereby notified that any unauthorised use of this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you are not the named recipient(s), please immediately notify the sender and delete this e-mail message.
Bank Name: Royal Bank of Canada Account Name: PICRIGHTS INTERNATIONAL INC. Account #: 05272-4002978 Swift Code: ROYCCAT2 Bank Address: BAYVIEW & BELSIZE, 1554 BAYVIEW AVE. TORONTO, ON M4G 3B6 Intermediary Bank: JP Morgan Chase Swift BIC: CHASUS33 Fedwire ABA/ROUTING #: 021000021 Chips UID: 055253
Please include reference 7688-7532-2397 with wire transfer.
U.S. Postal Money Orders are not accepted
Reply #5
Ziad Ezzat
From: Ziad Ezzat <ziad@fuckpicrights.com> To: Resolve <resolve@picrights.com> Subject: Re: FINAL NOTICE-Unlicensed Use of Associated Press Imagery – Reference Number: 7688-7532-2397
Oh Geoff, you greedy piece of shit. Still scamming people, even during a global pandemic? You’re really taking this human-garbage-fire thing you’ve got going on to a new level. Kudos.
Anyway, It’s been a year since we last spoke and I’m still getting your bullshit automated emails trying to scam money off me. I’m busy and they’re tiresome to deal with, so I’d kindly ask that you go ahead and sue me, as you promised to do a year ago, or just cut your losses, take me off your mailing list of potential victims, and fuck the fuck off.
What’s the big delay anyway? Is it because Michael Cohen went to prison? Or because Rudy’s in the hospital? How long am I supposed to wait to get sued over here?!
Well, I’m busy, so I better get back to publishing this email on fuckpicrights.com with all the others.
