What was filed
David Gordon Oppenheimer v. Vader National Electric LLC and Timothy Ingolia, No. 1:26-cv-12101 (N.D. Ill., Eastern Division), was filed October 1, 2026 (10 pages). Oppenheimer is a photographer who lives in Asheville, North Carolina. Vader National Electric is a Delaware limited liability company with principal offices in Cook County, Illinois, and the complaint alleges, on information and belief, that Ingolia founded it and acted as its manager. Oppenheimer demands a jury trial. The docket shows the case assigned to Judge John Robert Blakey. (Compl. paras. 2 to 4; docket.)
The work
The complaint alleges Oppenheimer took the aerial photograph from a chartered helicopter in July 2015 and registered it as part of a collection, Reg. No. VAu 1-229-868, effective July 26, 2015, and that his published versions carry a visible watermark and other copyright management information. (Compl. paras. 12 to 14.)
What the complaint alleges
It alleges, on information and belief, that on or before December 18, 2023, the defendants reproduced and displayed the photograph on a page of the company's website promoting its entertainment and hospitality work and at an image URL where it was still displayed when the complaint was filed, with Oppenheimer's watermark and copyright notice visible. It alleges no one responded to a June 3, 2025 demand letter or three follow-up emails. (Compl. paras. 18 to 21.)
Claims and relief
The first claim alleges willful copyright infringement under 17 U.S.C. 501 against both defendants. The second and third, pleaded in the alternative against Ingolia, allege vicarious and contributory infringement. Oppenheimer seeks a permanent injunction, an accounting, actual damages and profits or statutory damages of up to $150,000, or up to $30,000 if the infringement is found not willful, and interest, costs, and fees. (Compl. paras. 22 to 38; Prayer.)