About us
Visual Rights Group is your partner in copyright disputes
Fair p(l)ay is important. Photographers are entitled to fair compensation for their work, and we want to help them accomplish that. This has been our mission since 2013. We know well that creative work entails a lot of time, effort and expertise. With our powerful tracking technology, we give professional photographers and agencies a reliable way to find their own images on the Internet. Our team of experts then analyse the results and take action where necessary.
For us, copyright infringements are not an “us versus them” story, but a reason to enter into dialogue. We mediate between the parties involved and are transparent about our work and costs. Moreover, we see it as our responsibility to inform. Prevention is better than cure. That’s why we want to offer clear information on copyright legislation.
Visual Rights Group was founded in 2013 by Ywein van den Brande, a computer scientist and lawyer specialised in ICT and intellectual property law. Since then, the firm has grown into an international business with offices in Antwerp, London, Paris and Los Angeles, together accounting for more than 35 employees globally. In addition, we have an extensive network of lawyers, legal partners and bailiffs who assist us when necessary.
“Unauthorised use of visual material online is becoming increasingly common. So often that photographers and agencies themselves can no longer keep up with it, while they are of course entitled to income from their work.
Visual Rights Group is committed to that right. We know that they would much rather be occupied with their work than looking for copyright infringements and writing letters. By mediating for them, they not only get the compensation they are entitled to, but also more time again to do what they love.”
– Ywein van den Brande, Founder
Visual Rights Group came about with the help of imec and the Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen.
We are a Belgian company with its head office in Antwerp. You can find us in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises under our company number 0541.831.904 or by following this link.
Our team
Christoffer Feilberg
President, Visual Rights Group
With extensive and several years of experience as CEO. He has led organisations through a layer of managers, founded companies, prepared them for growth, and executed turn arounds. He has worked with Danish and International organisations, some with complicated owner structures and venture funded.
Photo by Bob Schmolze
Michael Masterson
Head of Operations US
Michael Masterson has a wide range of experience in marketing, business development and strategic planning in the photography world, including his years at The Workbook and Workbookstock. He was also the national president of the American Society of Picture Professionals (ASPP) from 2010 to 2013. Michael coordinates Visual Rights Group’s US operations.
Photo by Javed Mohammed Photography
Christopher Vaughan
Head of Operations UK
With over 10 years’ experience in managing the global distribution of imagery and achieving fair remuneration for authors, Chris Vaughan is an expert in the field of visual media licensing. After a position as head of distribution at ‘Image Source’, he is now commercial director for Visual Rights Group, Ltd. in the UK.
In de pers
- ANP - Permission Machine: Auteursrechtpartner of Piraat?
- De Copyrights Maffia, dat ben ik
- Shoot: Laat je foto's niet stelen
- De Periodiek (UPP): Waakhond van het auteursrechtelijk correct gebruik van foto's op het Internet
- De Journalist: Is die foto écht rechtenvrij?
- De Rijdende Rechter: Wat een bevalling