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"I need your help. My original art has been copied by a manufacturer who is now suing me in federal court to overturn my existing copyrights and continue making knockoffs. I have a strong case, a great lawyer and believe that if I can continue to defend myself, the case will be resolved in my favor. If I run out of funds before we reach trial, a default judgment would be issued against me and could put me out of business.

I did not initiate this lawsuit, but am defending my art, my creative rights, my reputation and my livelihood against attack. I've already spent over $50,000 out of pocket in defense of my original designs.

Seeking a judicial ruling in federal court will cost more than any artist or small business can afford on it's own, but attempts at settlement have been unsuccessful. I am holding a fundraising sale of my artwork to finance a defense in court. If you can contribute to the fund or share this story with others to help raise awareness, it would mean the world to me."

It's pretty sad when an artist has to pay ridiculous amounts of money for something that the government has already told him is his.