identity theft of traditional artisans

[MariadelosAngeles]

Certainly, they act as if they own our images. Our complaint is that they are being misused to systematically deceive the public.

The original model work we did for them was in 2017. We expected to be paid but they disgracefully ignore any thing we say.

The business was supposedly sold to the stock-girl in 2018; she says she has no knowledge of any accounting before her term.

 

[Zigner]

Certainly, they act as if they own our images. Our complaint is that they are being misused to systematically deceive the public.

I'm not so sure that they are.

The original model work we did for them was in 2017. We expected to be paid but they disgracefully ignore any thing we say.

The business was supposedly sold to the stock-girl in 2018; she says she has no knowledge of any accounting before her term.

You really have no idea if the guy paid or not. You are hoping that the guy will provide you with some evidence that he didn't pay, so you can claim some money.


Let me ask you something: Did the customer ever pay you directly, or did he pay the cooperative that you worked for?

 

[quincy]

Why are you still working with this seller? It seems to me that your artisans would do well to find another distributor/seller for your works.

In the U.S., each U.S. state has different false advertising laws and publicity rights laws, so holding individual sellers in different states accountable is not a do-it-yourself project.

I recommend that you seek out a law firm in Mexico that handles international law.

Where in Mexico do you reside?

 

[MariadelosAngeles]

It is not the norm in the United States for a customer to provide an accounting to the seller. It is customary for the seller to send a bill to the customer showing what is owed, and why, and then for the customer to dispute anything that they do not agree with (if they disagree at all). It would be rare in the United States to find a buyer who was willing to provide such an accounting.

I admit we are old-fashioned here in the provinces. The business we are used to is not so cold. We went along trustingly like puppies.
We only want to compare our records with theirs since we have discrepencies that we would like to be corrected, or else paid-for.
And there is the matter of the orignal model work we did at their request. We sent them these models so they can send them elsewhere?
We would like to at least be paid for the original models and to confirm that these designs are our property, as they agreed they would be.

 

[quincy]

Where in Mexico do you reside?

 

[MariadelosAngeles]

I'm not so sure that they are.

You believe that the public is not deceived by the image of an artisan household where the text says that they are living with dignity
yet the husband not in his home at all any more, he is toiling in tabacco agriculture in North Carolina and the wife is hoping to receive
a remittance from him soon since she is responsible for the care of the children and the old grandmother?


You really have no idea if the guy paid or not. You are hoping that the guy will provide you with some evidence that he didn't pay, so you can claim some money.

This is not correct. We do have our own accounting; we would like to compare to the Customer's accounting to see if they are the same.


Let me ask you something: Did the customer ever pay you directly, or did he pay the cooperative that you worked for?

The customer paid for orders directly to the craftswomen, cooperative members who produce the jewelry.

I am the President and legal representative of the cooperative and I never touched a cent of the payments

 

[MariadelosAngeles]

Where in Mexico do you reside?

Taxco de Alarcón, Guerrero

 

[quincy]

Taxco de Alarcón, Guerrero

The customer paid for orders directly to the craftswomen, cooperative members who produce the jewelry.

I am the President and legal representative of the cooperative and I never touched a cent of the payments

Legal representative?

 

[MariadelosAngeles]

That is your job (the seller) to keep track of. The buyer (customer) has NO obligation to help you reconcile your records.

When he bought it, it benefited you. If he's selling inventory that he bought, the he's correct in saying it benefits you, because it DID benefit you.

The more you explain, the more it seems that you have no claim against your former customer. Seek legal counsel for additional advice.

It is not the same to claim that you are helping someone because you made a purchase to that person in the past.

Artisans need to eat and support their families in the present. It seems to me that the US customer is being deceived.

 

[MariadelosAngeles]

Legal representative?

"representante legal"
It is is the language of the Cooperative Society constitution since it was legally formed.
The President is usually the legal representative, although they could be different persons.

 

[quincy]

"representante legal"
It is is the language of the Cooperative Society constitution since it was legally formed.
The President is usually the legal representative, although they could be different persons.

Thank you for the clarification and thank you for providing your city name.

The good news for you is that you live in an area with several attorneys, not only in your city but also in the relatively close cities of Chilpancingo and Mexico City.

I think you are going to need the personal assistance of an attorney in your area rather than trying to solve your problems on a U.S. legal forum.

 

[MariadelosAngeles]

The identity theft is taking place in the USA not in Mexico.

 

[MariadelosAngeles]

We have support from our government. Now we seek legal counsel in the United States. Or at least the answers to some of our doubts.

 

[Zigner]

The identity theft is taking place in the USA not in Mexico.

There is no identity theft.

You are not being harmed by the acts that you allege are occurring.

You really have no case, but feel free to contact an attorney for advice.

 

[Zigner]

We have support from our government. Now we seek legal counsel in the United States. Or at least the answers to some of our doubts.

This forum does not provide referrals.