Meta Platforms Slapped with Federal Copyright LAWSUIT with Possible Millions in Damages

Tara Mapes has filed a federal copyright infringement lawsuit against Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: META) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, alleging systemic, willful copyright violations across Meta’s platforms.

The lawsuit, Mapes v. John Does 1-9, Case No. 1:25-cv-01574, filed on August 7, 2025, asserts that Meta failed to address more than 3,300 documented instances of infringement between 2021 and 2025, despite repeated DMCA notices. The complaint further alleges that large Facebook groups with hundreds of thousands of members repeatedly used Mapes’ work without authorization redistributing it, selling it outright, or using it to promote paid services all while Meta ignored takedown requests and or failed to take action against repeat infringers.

According to the complaint, Meta also blocked Mapes’ access to reporting tools, refused to disable repeat infringer accounts, and profited from the widespread infringement through increased engagement and advertising revenue.

Meta Platforms Infringement Lawsuit Mapes Vs. Meta Platforms

“Artists should not have to fight one of the largest technology companies in the world simply to protect their work,” said Mapes. “Meta has received thousands of infringement reports, stripped me of reporting access, and allowed repeat offenders with massive groups with hundreds of thousands of members to continue exploiting my work for profit. This lawsuit is about accountability and protecting the rights of creators.”

Key Allegations in Meta Platforms Infringement Lawsuit

• Over 3,300 instances of copyright infringement submitted to Meta Platforms from 2021–2025.

• Large repeat infringer groups with hundreds of thousands of members redistributed Mapes’ work, sold it without authorization, and/or used it commercially to sell services.

• Meta disabled the plaintiff’s DMCA reporting access, preventing further enforcement.

• Repeat infringer accounts and groups were left active despite clear violations of Meta’s own policies.

• Meta profited from infringement through engagement metrics and ad revenue.

• One defendant and Meta user Tanisha Lloyd with Angelic Ice Photography infringed a documented 343 times on Mapes' work and Facebook did not disable her account for repeated violations.

Relief Sought

The meta platforms infringement lawsuit complaint seeks:

• Statutory damages for each infringed work under 17 U.S.C. § 504 which could reach in the multi-millions.

• Injunctive relief requiring Meta to comply with its obligations under the DMCA and remove infringing content.

• Attorney’s fees and costs under 17 U.S.C. § 505.

Case Information

• Court: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana

• Case Number: 1:25-cv-01574

• Filed: August 7, 2025

• Plaintiff: Tara Mapes

• Defendants: Meta Platforms, Inc., Angelic Ice Photography, John Does 1-9, Tanisha Lloyd

• Judges: Hon. James Russell Sweeney II, Hon. Mark J. Dinsmore

• Plaintiff Counsel: Revision Legal, PLLC

• Case Type: Intellectual Property – Copyright (820)