GAINESVILLE –– A Texas photographer accuses a website building company of stealing a copyrighted photo.
Ian Aberle filed a complaint on Sept. 21 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida against Digital Brands Inc.
According to the complaint, Digital Brands used Aberle's photo "A view of 6th Street in Austin" to market and advertise the company's services. Aberle claims the company knowingly removed the copyright notice on the photo.
Aberle copyrighted the photograph in November 2017.
Digital Brands Inc. is based out of Gainsville. The company develops and operates websites for customers interested in topics such as financial affairs, retail , dating advice and lifestyle guidance.
Aberle seeks injunctive relief and damages, including profits Digital Brands received because of the photograph and attorney fees.
Aberle is represented by Joel B. Rothman of Schneider Rothman Intellectual Property Law Group out of Boca Raton.