It's extremely easy to do more than $150,000 in damages.
We all know of "churches" and "schools" that are fronts for people making money. And/or espouse beliefs that the artist disagrees with. Yet this bill provides no way for an artist to simply prevent such organizations from using their work.
Instead, how about this simple rule:
If you want to use something you didn't create, you can't use it until you find the artist and reach an agreement.
If you can't find the artist, then you can't use it.
If you can't reach an agreement with the artist, then you can't use it.
This is a terrible proposal.
It's extremely easy to do more than $150,000 in damages.
We all know of "churches" and "schools" that are fronts for people making money. And/or espouse beliefs that the artist disagrees with. Yet this bill provides no way for an artist to simply prevent such organizations from using their work.
Instead, how about this simple rule:
If you want to use something you didn't create, you can't use it until you find the artist and reach an agreement.
If you can't find the artist, then you can't use it.
If you can't reach an agreement with the artist, then you can't use it.
Simple. Honest. Fair. Enforceable.