What was filed
Philip Cheung v. CBJ, L.P. dba Orange County Business Journal, No. 2:26-cv-11265 (C.D. Cal., Western Division), was filed September 29, 2026 (7 pages). Cheung is a documentary photographer and photojournalist based in Los Angeles. The complaint describes CBJ as a Kansas limited partnership that publishes the Orange County Business Journal and operates ocbj.com. Cheung demands a jury trial. (Compl. paras. 2, 3, 9.)
The work
The complaint alleges Cheung created the photograph in 2024 and registered it on July 16, 2024, as part of a group registration, Reg. No. VA 2-404-810. (Compl. paras. 10 to 11.)
What the complaint alleges
It alleges that on or about January 14, 2026, Cheung found the photograph used as the image for an article posted on the website on December 19, 2025, that CBJ was never licensed to use it, and that Cheung notified CBJ on February 3 and February 19, 2026. (Compl. paras. 13 to 21.)
Counts and relief
Count I alleges willful direct infringement under 17 U.S.C. 501. Count II alleges, on information and belief, that a third party copied and displayed the photograph and that CBJ is vicariously liable. Cheung seeks preliminary and permanent injunctions, actual damages and profits or statutory damages, fees and costs, and interest. (Compl. paras. 22 to 36; Prayer.)