The complaint
Christopher Peterson v. Europa Eyewear LLC, No. 1:26-cv-10641 (N.D. Ill.), is a nine-page complaint filed September 2, 2026, ECF No. 1, with a jury demand. The docket shows the case is assigned to District Judge Thomas M. Durkin, with Magistrate Judge Heather K. McShain designated.
The photograph
Peterson, a photographer based in Albany County, New York, alleges he photographed an actress, first published the photograph on April 27, 2023, and registered it on July 25, 2023, as VA 2-359-732.
What it alleges
The complaint describes Europa Eyewear as a Delaware company based in Vernon Hills, Illinois that uses Facebook and Instagram accounts to promote its eyewear products. It alleges that Europa reproduced and displayed the photograph in a Facebook post on or about May 11, 2023 and in an Instagram post, without a license, and that Peterson discovered the uses on October 24, 2023. The single count pleads direct copyright infringement under 17 U.S.C. § 501.
Peterson seeks actual damages and profits under 17 U.S.C. § 504(b) or, at his election, statutory damages, an injunction under 17 U.S.C. § 502(a), attorneys' fees and costs under 17 U.S.C. § 505, and interest.
On the docket
A summons issued on September 2, 2026. On September 3, 2026, the court ordered the parties to file a joint status report by November 12, 2026.