Thursday, December 9, 2010

Harper's Bazaar China Copied Original Work of Photographer, Sanjay Kothari

See the similarities between the left and right images? It seems like the people who produced the Harper's Bazaar China story (photos on the right) COPIED the work of Shanghai-based, award-winning photographer, Sanjay Kothari (photos on the left).

What do you think?


Source: SanjayKothari.com (left) & Harper's Bazaar China (right)

24 comments:

  1. Yes, definitely. Heavy inspiration, and if there was no credit that's blatant plagiarism. :(

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  2. Anonymous5:28 PM EST

    Did it ever occur to you that it was a tribute to that artist?

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  3. Unless Sanjay Kothari worked with Harper's Bazaar (I have no idea), the photos look suspiciously similar.

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  4. couldn't be denied... it's a shame if it's true... but is it deifinite that it was not himself who made the photos? or that they didn't ask for permission?... if so, then i just don't know how they can afford such blatant copying.
    xo
    agnes

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  5. did the magazine even credit him in the photo ed? hmmm.......

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  6. Anonymous11:14 PM EST

    anyone know what this story is called?
    and it says 24th anniversary on the first picture from the mag, so it is pretty hard to get away from this
    im sure the magazine doesnt want dirt on it for its anniversary
    but then again, i hope someone could get the whole story, translated

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  7. Anonymous11:18 PM EST

    oops sorry did not see the post right underneath this one ><

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  8. Dear AMB,

    I live in Shanghai and they had no reason to do this.. This is the best and most original work I had done and I am furious. This is not a tribute. Its a ripoff. they had no reason to not hire me instead to do this.
    I am very grateful to you for your unequivocal stance and clear post regarding this issue. I will shortly update my site to reflect this issue

    My deepest thanks

    Sanjay Kothari

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  9. There have been many editorials based off the atmosphere of Wong Kar Wai's film, "In The Mood for Love," and no credit was given there either. Everyone is inspired by anyone, and while it's unfair that Sanjay did not receive published recognition, he has now!! Thank you Asian Models for bringing this to light!

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  10. I'd like to thank this blog for the clear and unequivocal stance they took on this issue. I live now in China and dont really see any reason they couldnt have hired me.

    The worst thing is in 2 years..when a young art director
    sees them, they might think I was copying them.

    Thanks again for standing up for me

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  11. Anonymous12:01 PM EST

    Wow, Sanjay, you should contact them and demand to be credited.

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  12. Thanks but just credit wont be enough !

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  13. Anonymous7:18 PM EST

    why don't you sue? perhaps more people should post this on their blogs (i would but i dont have one) to make this affair known. any international magazine hates scandal like plagarism

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  14. I intend to ! but many copyright lawyers are in that business to protect the companies that rip people off rather than fight for the individuals who get ripped off..
    yes.. please publicize this issue.. this is the first place that took a stand instead of being wishy washy on the issue and it makes other people see it for what it is

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  15. Anonymous10:55 PM EST

    in the mood for love was set in hong kong in the 60's. qipao, hair and makeup weren;t that much of a stretch from life. there wasn't that much to copy except the lighting and often, readers can understand the reference if there isn't already one in the title. however, since kothari's work isn't as referable as itmfl, this is just called copying, not inspiration. it's copied down to the way the jewelry wraps around the models legs, to the makeup and style of jewelry.

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  16. Anonymous11:47 PM EST

    Sanjay you should fight for it. This is your work and it's beautiful. The least that Harper's Bazaar China SHOULD do is to offer a public apology in their next issue. But seeing that this might do damage to the magazine's reputation, Bazaar China might want settle this on the down low. Either way, fight this blatant plagiarizing.

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  17. Anonymous1:05 AM EST

    When Airtel Can Copy Vodafone Logo who will stop China.. Indian Gov. ?

    I have dough....

    When DMK leader son win the competition even he was Non-eligible candidate for the competition as he had submitted four design while only two was allowed.

    One of the finalist Nondita Correa (daughter of congress member) was in contact with prime minister office prior to competition and later on secure her name in top five finalist...

    After reading above fact you have to understand at least in India no one can help you.

    Sorry to see but no one can help you in this case :(

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  18. Shame Shame Shame! We have seen this sort of thing before but so close to the originals! Shame...

    Maybe invoice them for a creative fee...

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  19. Kenlenvil1:17 PM EST

    I'm looking for a website to complain to, but i can't find HP china's website. But I'm so furious!

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  20. This is not the first time Harpers China have completely ripped off other artists. If your interested I can send several other editorials which show blatant plagiarism.

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  21. Please email me the other ripoffs if possible to sanjay@sanjaykothari.com
    Thanks very much !

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  22. I am sorry to say, the 2 Italian IP lawyers in China I spoke with, said it was not an infringement.. The lawyers in the US told me I'd need to fight them in China as the infringement occured there and its very difficult to get anywhere.. What that means is even when the copying is so blatant, there's nothing that can be done ! copyright law is just on paper

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  23. O_o

    Really, I'm simply left speechless.

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