LOS ANGELES, California – In a landmark copyright infringement case, a California jury has awarded a photographer a record-breaking verdict. The photographer’s lawyer claims that it is the largest maximum statutory damages verdict for photography infringement in the history of the United States. The jury awarded $150,000 in statutory damages for each of the 43 infringed images, resulting in a total of $6.3 million.
The lawsuit was filed by Scott Hargis, an architectural photographer, against Pacifica Senior Living Management LLC in September 2022. Hargis accused Pacifica of using his photographs without permission to advertise and market its senior living facilities. Hargis has previously had his work featured in prominent publications such as This Old House, Luxe Magazine, Dwell, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and others.
According to the complaint, Pacifica’s alleged infringement was willful, as the company is knowledgeable about federal copyright laws and actively protects its own intellectual property rights. The plaintiff also claimed that Pacifica had been repeatedly notified of the infringement but failed to remove the photos from its website.
In cases of willful infringement, statutory damages can range from $30,000 to $150,000 per image. The jury’s decision to award the maximum amount for each infringed photo indicates a clear message being sent. The verdict serves as a reminder that copyright registration is essential for creators and that companies should not use images without a proper license. Furthermore, the use of advanced technology like artificial intelligence makes it increasingly difficult for infringers to evade detection.
This case highlights the significant financial benefits that can result from copyright registration and the potential consequences for companies that disregard copyright laws. It also underscores the growing importance of AI technology in identifying and combating copyright infringement. As the photography industry continues to grapple with the unauthorized use of images, this verdict serves as a precedent-setting event that could shape future copyright disputes.
In conclusion, a California jury has awarded a photographer $6.3 million in a copyright infringement lawsuit against Pacifica Senior Living Management LLC. The verdict represents the largest maximum statutory damages ever awarded for photography infringement in the United States. The case emphasizes the importance of copyright registration and the risks companies face when using images without proper licensing. With the rise of AI technology, it is becoming increasingly difficult for infringers to go undetected, reshaping the landscape of copyright enforcement.