Mumbai-based photographer Ujwal Puri has found himself in a battle against a prominent advertising brand, SelVel, as he accuses them of using his photograph on a billboard without obtaining his consent. Puri, frustrated by the unauthorized use of his work, took to social media to express his distress and is now seeking legal recourse.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Puri stated, “Extremely saddened and angry to see my photo stolen and printed on a big billboard without my consent or permission,” explicitly naming SelVel and appealing for assistance in taking legal action against the advertising brand.
Puri’s social media appeal not only sheds light on the violation of his creative rights but also calls for support from the online community to address the issue. He highlights the challenge of locating SelVel on social media platforms and urges assistance in initiating legal proceedings.
The incident has ignited a strong reaction on social media, with users condemning the advertising agency’s actions as morally, ethically, and legally incorrect. Criticisms include the prioritization of profit over ethical considerations by such firms.
This public response underscores the moral and ethical dimensions of intellectual property rights and emphasizes the responsibility of advertising agencies to uphold ethical standards in their practices.
Ujwal Puri’s case brings attention to the ongoing challenges faced by artists and creators in safeguarding their work from unauthorized use, initiating a broader conversation about the need for stronger safeguards for creative content in the advertising industry.
