Snapchat filters are pretty fun, right? I often check into Snapchat on a daily basis even if I don't send anything interesting to see what new, random mix of fun filters I can slap over my face. From the unicorn look that has you barfing rainbows to the crazier cross-promotional stuff Snapchat has done with Taco Bell, upcoming movies, and more, Snapchat filters can be a fun and fairly accurate way to make your face do all sorts of crazy things.
Unfortunately, Snapchat is now facing accusations that its filter creators copied other artists' work.
The Ringer reports that Snapchat unfairly copied work from people like makeup artist Argenis Pinal, who reposted his Joker look on Instagram a week prior to Snapchat featuring a similar version as a face filter.
Snapchat responded by saying "the creative process sometimes involves inspiration, but it should never result in copying. We have already implemented additional layers of review for all designs. Copying other artists isn't something we will tolerate, and we're taking appropriate action internally with those involved."
Hopefully that will involve better communication with artists who feel they have been wronged. As makeup artist Mykie found out, it's hard to get Snapchat's attention and for Snapchat to come down on your side when you accuse the company of stealing your work.
"Most recently their support team has not responded to my tweets wanting answers on this recurring issue. I also filed a report through the app with my particular case when the filter first appeared and their response was that they 'Don't believe that the filter infringes any copyright.' That would ultimately be up to a judge to decide if the work had been altered enough to count as a new work," she told The Ringer.
Unfortunately, the legal protections afforded to makeup creations are trickier to figure out. There's less outright protection than if you simply drew an illustration and someone blatantly stole it and used it as part of a giant, national marketing campaign. In Snapchat's case, its filters are temporary and free we somehow suspect the company doesn't believe many, if any, makeup artists will bother spending money on a legal case over something that isn't generating any revenue anyway. Read more
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