Travel Company Reportedly Used Japanese Maple Photo without Permission
On June 11, 2020, professional photographer Thomas Schwabel ("Schwabel") filed a Complaint against True Nature Education ("True Nature"), a service and education-oriented travel company. Schwabel's Complaint alleges that True Nature used his photograph of a Japanese Maple tree, for which he has a registered copyright, without permission. As exhibits, the Complaint includes a reference copy of Schwabel's photograph and a collection of screenshots of instances where the photo was allegedly used on True Nature's website, Instagram page, and Facebook timeline
In addition to requesting a jury trial, Schwabel's complaint demands either actual damages and whatever profits True Nature derived from the use, or statutory damages up to $150,000.
True Nature has yet to respond to the complaint. Although the company's website identifies it as "an educational travel company," its FAQ page directs students to consult with their schools to determine whether they can receive credit for participating in a trip.