COPYTRACK presents itself as a copyright enforcement agency, but recent incidents suggest it operates more like a scam designed to intimidate website owners into paying hefty fees for alleged unauthorized image use. If you have received an email from COPYTRACK demanding payment for supposed copyright infringement, beware—this may be nothing more than a money-grabbing scheme.
How COPYTRACK Operates
COPYTRACK typically sends an email claiming that a particular image on your website has been used without permission. They act on behalf of a supposed rights holder and demand proof of licensing. If you fail to provide proof, they pressure you into purchasing an expensive retrospective license or paying a compensation fee, often amounting to hundreds of euros.
They also threaten legal action if payment is not made.
A Recent Case: XYZ<dot>COM
On March 22, 2025, COPYTRACK sent an email to XYZ, alleging unauthorized use of an image owned by a company named CONCEPT-PRODUCTION. The email contained the following demands:
- Provide proof of a valid image license.
- If no license exists, either purchase a retrospective license for 389.59 € or pay compensation of 350.00 €.
- Make the payment by April 10, 2025, to avoid legal action.
- Settle the case via their online portal at https://portal.copytrack.com.
Why This Looks Like a Scam
- Lack of Verifiable Proof – COPYTRACK provides no direct evidence of ownership beyond a vague claim.
- Excessive Fees – The fees they charge are far higher than most stock image sites.
- Pressure Tactics – The threats of legal action are a common scam technique used to create fear.
- No Prior Contact from Rights Holder – Legitimate copyright holders typically reach out directly before escalating matters.
- Inconsistent Pricing – The email mentions different license prices (389.59 € vs. 374.50 €), which suggests arbitrary pricing.
How to Protect Yourself
- Do not pay immediately – Research the legitimacy of the claim before responding.
- Check image sources – If you obtained the image from a legitimate stock photo site, check your purchase history.
- Ask for legal proof – Demand concrete evidence that the rights holder is indeed the legitimate owner.
- Consult a legal expert – If you’re unsure, seek legal advice before making any payment.
- Ignore scam threats – Many scam operations rely on intimidation; they rarely follow through on legal threats.
Final Thoughts
COPYTRACK appears to be engaging in predatory practices that target unsuspecting website owners with fabricated or exaggerated copyright infringement claims. If you receive such an email, proceed with caution and do not fall for their intimidation tactics.
Protect yourself by verifying claims, seeking legal counsel, and never paying without clear, verifiable proof of infringement.
