Location: Illinois
It sounds more dramatic than it is. I made a simple looking caricature design for someone online, I often enjoy doing them for free to hone my skill and make people happy (though I do ask them if they want to donate or tip me for the work that goes to a project I'm doing on my free time). Anyway, I made the design and sent him the pdf in good faith (he said he would tip but didnt). 3 days later he came back to me asking if a local band he likes can use my work for their merchandise because he apparently talked to the lead singer. I was elated because not only could I profit, but I could also help a band, I love punk. When I told him I would need legal documents, he said he would write one up and was confused since I had my signature on the design already...despite not knowing how copyright works...and when I told him they would need my permission on a legal document, he threw a fit and said he would just do it anyway, saying he had the og pdf. Do I have grounds to sue if the band actually does use it for merch? I just contacted them but didn't get a response yet. I doubt they will, but you never know. Hope this was an entertaining melodrama, but I'm genuinely confused.