Rue 21 ripped off a drawing I did, what can I do?

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I found out a few days ago that Rue 21 is selling a shirt with one of my drawings on it.... I don't really know what to do, I can't afford to hire a lawyer, I don't even know if that would be the best route.

any advice or assistance you guys can render would be greatly appreciated.

here's the original: http://nomkcalb.deviantart.com/art/Brok ... t-81211860

Here's a screencap of the shirt: http://i.imgur.com/0By8y.jpg

Thanks again.

Have you contacted them directly about the issue? You could always launch your own t-shirts. Surely Rue 21 won't have the audacity to sue you for copying their version of your own work. I know what they're doing is illegal and immoral but at they same they are creating a market for you. Stop me at any point btw because i don't know sh** about copywright law etc :oops:

I like Rue 21.. lol. I wear their clothes often.

But its not the same picture, doesn't have the same shading, or the same writing.

But the heart/sign are pretty much shaped about the same way.

But unfortunately the idea doesn't seem to be ORIGINAL...
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=ou ... 20&bih=914

You'd probably have a hard time doing anything. But you might be able to contact them and tell them its very similar to your artwork/was probably plagiarized, but then again you could have drawn it after they designed the shirt. Or the artist they hired did it and you'd have to talk to him...

You can contact a lawyer and see if they are interested in taking your case on a contingency fee - they only get paid if they win the case. A lawyer will only take the case if they think they can win. Look for a copyright litigation lawyer. Present them with all the facts and let them tell you if you do or do not have a case. Personally, I think you may have a case of you can prove dates, if Rue 21 has a history of cruising DA for art or if the lawyer finds a way to prove that someone - either the art director or the artist of the image viewed your DA account. DA may be able to provide those ISP's since they log user views, favorites, etc...

Your local legal aid office can help direct you if you are on SSA or assistance.

looks like WetSeal is selling the same shirt.

http://www.wetseal.com/catalog/product. ... pf_k108283

Hey, I'm just playing the bad guy...

I'm not actually the bad guy.

You should talk to him directly.