Architectural photographer Michael Kelley files copyright suits against Stylarc and Colminex USA

The two complaints

Both complaints were filed October 27, 2026, and each demands a jury. The plaintiff is Michael Kelley (Michael P. Kelley in the Stylarc caption), a professional photographer who, the complaints say, specializes in architectural photography and is based in Ojai, California. The Stylarc case is Kelley v. Stylarc, LLC, No. 1:26-cv-09398 (S.D.N.Y.), assigned on the docket to Judge Vernon S. Broderick. The Colminex case is Kelley v. Colminex USA, LLC, No. 1:26-cv-14024 (D.N.J.), assigned on the docket to Judge Edward S. Kiel. Each pleads jurisdiction under the Copyright Act and 28 U.S.C. 1331 and 1338(a), and venue under 28 U.S.C. 1391.

Stylarc (S.D.N.Y.)

The Stylarc complaint alleges, on information and belief, that Stylarc, LLC is a Wyoming limited liability company with headquarters in New York, New York. It describes Stylarc as a luxury architecture, design, and planning firm focused on high-end residential properties. It says Kelley is the sole author of five photographic works depicted in Exhibit A, registered under U.S. Copyright Office Reg. No. VA 2-399-918, and that he discovered those works reproduced, distributed, used in derivative works, and publicly displayed without authorization on stylarc.com to promote Stylarc's services, with screenshots in Exhibit B. It alleges the use was commercial and not transformative, and that the infringement was willful, including because Kelley sent numerous notices of infringement and the infringement continued. The single count is direct copyright infringement (17 U.S.C. 101 et seq. and 501). The count seeks actual damages or, at Kelley's election, disgorgement of profits under 17 U.S.C. 504(b), or, to the extent allowed by 17 U.S.C. 412, statutory damages of $150,000 for each work under 504(c), plus a permanent injunction. The prayer also asks for declarations of infringement and willfulness, an accounting, exemplary and punitive damages, costs and attorneys' fees under section 505, and interest.

Colminex USA (D.N.J.)

The Colminex complaint alleges, on information and belief, that Colminex USA, LLC is a New Jersey limited liability company based in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It says Colminex operates acbusinesscenter.com, where it promotes itself as offering services including cargo logistics and travel assistance. It says Kelley is the sole author of two photographic works depicted in the complaint, registered under Reg. Nos. VA 2-024-067 and VAu 1-183-300, and that he discovered those works reproduced, distributed, used in derivative works, and publicly displayed without authorization on that site to advertise Colminex's services. It alleges the infringement was willful, and that Kelley sent a notice of infringement on July 9, 2026 and further notices in July and August 2026 while the infringement continued. The single count is direct copyright infringement (17 U.S.C. 101 et seq. and 501), and the relief sought tracks the Stylarc complaint.

Copyright Office records

The Copyright Office public record for Reg. No. VA 2-024-067 shows a June 23, 2016 registration of 2-D artwork titled Secret Wonderland Body Lotion, with a company, not Kelley, as author and claimant.