Shutterstock Photographer Forum :: View topic

rubberpenguin · Joined: 15 Mar 2012 Posts: 6

Hi,
I have recently had this image rejected for 'Containing potential trademark or copyright infringement'... I have looked hard at this image, but I have no idea where the problem could lie.

I have contacted support twice, but all I get is an answer which has been cut and paste from the manual about property releases which obviously has no relation to this image whatsoever.

This image has been on another stock site for quite a few years and I have never had an issue before. I was just wondering if anyone could something that I was missing.

The image of Frankenstein itself can't be the issue, as there are loads of him on here... Can anyone help?

Thanks so much :)

daemys · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 9:40 am

Make him a man with normal skin color and without the bolt sticking out his neck and everything will be OK.

evaners · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 12:11 pm

I would be a little surprised to find out that a Frankenstein character was a copyright issue. So I was going to look up "The List" on Shutterbuzz, but each time I try to go there I get a "The connection was reset" message. Let's try again later.

If that IS the problem, either re-submit it another day or at least remove the neck bolts and resubmit. You can leave him green.

darla · Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Posts: 888

The design of Frankenstein's Monster with bolts in the neck, green skin and a flat head is protected by Universal Pictures.

You can still do Frankenstein's monster with a different color skin, not a flat head, or no bolts in the neck. Just don't do all three.

If you are doing a full length monster, there are costume details that matter as well. Shoulder pads, open jacket with no buttons, tattered cuffs on slightly short pants, and thick soled heavy shoes.

So, put the bolts on his temples, and change his skin color to dead body purple. You'll be good.

mirage3 · Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 1672 Location: Does it matter?

That is crazy, type Frankenstein and look what shows up... all green giants, with flat heads and bolts sticking out... like this one, the most popular (not by me of course)... so I think you got an over zelous reviewer, resubmit...

darla · Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Posts: 888

It is possible to get a release. Don't be too quick to assume there isn't one.

Also, it is ultimately the artist's responsibility, not Shutterstock's. They will certainly want to take down violations, but if they miss some, that doesn't make it all right for everyone else.

memoangeles · Joined: 18 Sep 2008 Posts: 8

I've had 2 images with Frankenstein rejected this year. I think the issue IS the green skin, flat head and bolts. I'll just make a different monster. :P