How do you secure your graphics work from theft?

1 Use watermarks

A watermark is a visible or invisible mark that identifies the owner or creator of a graphic. It can be a logo, a name, a symbol, or a text that is embedded in the image or video. Watermarks can deter thieves from using your work or claiming it as their own, as they would have to remove or cover the mark. You can use various software and online tools to add watermarks to your graphics, such as Photoshop, Lightroom, Canva, or PicMarkr.

2 Add metadata

Metadata is information that is stored in the file of your graphic, such as the title, the author, the date, the copyright, the license, and the contact details. Metadata can help you prove your ownership and track your work online, as it can be read by search engines, browsers, and other software. Metadata can also help you communicate your terms and conditions to potential users of your work, such as whether you allow sharing, editing, or commercial use. You can use software like Photoshop, GIMP, or ExifTool to edit and add metadata to your graphics.

3 Register your work

Registering your work is a legal way to secure your graphics work from theft, as it gives you the official recognition and rights as the owner or creator. Depending on your country and the type of work, you may need to register your work with a government agency, a professional association, or a private service. Registering your work can help you enforce your rights and claim damages if someone infringes on them. You can check the websites of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the U.S. Copyright Office, or the Graphic Artists Guild for more information on how to register your work.

4 Use digital signatures

A digital signature is a code that is attached to your graphic file, which verifies your identity and the integrity of your work. It can be used to prove that you are the author or sender of the work, and that the work has not been altered or tampered with. Digital signatures can also help you encrypt and secure your work when you send it online, as they can prevent unauthorized access or modification. You can use software like Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office, or SignNow to create and use digital signatures for your graphics.

5 Monitor your work

Monitoring your work is a proactive way to secure your graphics work from theft, as it can help you detect and prevent unauthorized use or distribution. You can use various tools and methods to monitor your work online, such as reverse image search engines, plagiarism checkers, or digital watermarking services. These tools can help you find out where and how your work is being used, and whether it is being credited or licensed properly. You can also use social media, forums, or blogs to communicate with your audience and fans, and ask them to report any misuse or theft of your work.

6 Take action

Taking action is the last resort to secure your graphics work from theft, as it can involve legal or ethical challenges. If you find out that someone is stealing, copying, or using your work without your permission, you can try to resolve the issue by contacting them directly, asking them to remove or credit your work, or offering them a license or a fee. If they refuse or ignore your request, you can escalate the matter by sending them a cease and desist letter, filing a DMCA takedown notice, or suing them for infringement. You can also report the theft to the platform or website where your work is being used, or to the authorities or organizations that protect your rights.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?