Sunday, 8 Sep 2024

Artist Alleges Capcom Stole Her Photos: Exploring the Lawsuit

Not too long after a horror movie creator accused Capcom of stealing his designs for Resident Evil Village, another artist has come forward with similar claims. Judy A. Juracek is alleging that the well-known game developer has used her copyrighted photos without permission in both the Resident Evil and Devil May Cry franchises. Let’s dive into the details of this intriguing lawsuit and examine the evidence presented.

The Allegations

Juracek’s lawsuit, filed last week, revolves around the unauthorized use of her copyrighted photos by Capcom. These images were featured in her book called “Surfaces,” which was released back in 1996. The purpose of the book was to provide visual resources for architectural designers for educational purposes. Although designers were allowed to use the images, there was a requirement to seek Juracek’s permission before doing so. However, according to Juracek, Capcom never contacted her regarding the use of her photos.

Proof in the Images

To support her claims, Juracek has presented several images as evidence. One such image shows a comparison between her original photograph and its depiction in the Resident Evil Remake. The similarities are striking, with the studio seemingly using her photo as a reference for their game. Juracek has also provided a comparison for the logo used in Resident Evil 4, further highlighting the alleged infringement.

Unauthorized Use

Aside from the direct references, Juracek has also pointed out instances where her photos were used without her consent. In one example, she showcases an image where the exact pattern from her photo can be seen in Capcom’s work. It becomes evident that the pattern was not merely cropped from her photography found within the book.

The Security Breach

Interestingly, Juracek’s lawsuit also references a security breach that Capcom experienced in 2020. During this breach, there was a ransom note threatening to expose stolen artwork and images. According to Juracek, the file names used by Capcom for the CD version of “Surfaces” remained unchanged, indicating a direct link to her photography. This further supports her claim of unauthorized use of her copyrighted works by the studio.

Legal Action

Juracek and her legal team are seeking reparative damages of up to $12 million for copyright infringement. Additionally, they are requesting the removal of copyright management, which could cost Capcom up to $25,000 per stolen image.

Capcom’s Response

Capcom has acknowledged that they are aware of the lawsuit, but they have not provided any further comment at this time.

FAQs

Q: What is the book “Surfaces” about?
A: “Surfaces” is a book filled with over 1,000 copyrighted photos of various textures, created by artist Judy A. Juracek. It was released in 1996 as visual research for architectural designers for educational purposes.

Q: What kind of damages is Juracek seeking?
A: Juracek and her legal team are seeking reparative damages of up to $12 million for copyright infringement, as well as the removal of copyright management, which could cost Capcom up to $25,000 per image stolen.

Conclusion

The lawsuit filed by Judy A. Juracek against Capcom raises important questions about the alleged unauthorized use of copyrighted photos by the game developer. With compelling evidence presented, the outcome of this case will shed light on the importance of respecting artists’ intellectual property rights. We will be closely monitoring the developments and updates related to this intriguing legal battle.