Tamara Wareka sues Lashes Look over alleged unlicensed use of beauty headshot photographs

The complaint

Tamara Wareka a/k/a Tamara Williams v. Lashes Look LLC d/b/a Lashes Look Studio by Alla, No. 1:26-cv-03586-PTG-LRV (E.D. Va., Alexandria Division), was filed October 28, 2026 (7 pages, with Exhibits A and B). The plaintiff is Tamara Wareka, also known as Tamara Williams, whom the complaint describes as a freelance fashion and beauty photographer residing in Germany. The defendant is Lashes Look LLC, a Virginia limited liability company with a principal place of business in Arlington, Virginia. (Compl. caption; paras. 1 to 2, 6 to 8.)

The works

The complaint alleges Wareka created multiple headshot photographs of women (the "Work"), that each photograph was registered with the U.S. Copyright Office, and that certificates are attached as Exhibit B. Exhibit A is described as a spreadsheet identifying each photograph, its registration number, and screenshots of the alleged infringement. The complaint alleges Wareka has owned the Work at all material times. (Compl. paras. 9 to 11.)

What the complaint alleges

The complaint alleges Lashes Look owns and operates a beauty salon and advertises its business through its website, through social media including Instagram and Facebook, and in other ways. It alleges that on multiple dates after registration, the defendant displayed the Work on its website, webpage, social media, and/or print media without a license. It alleges, upon information and belief, that the defendant copied the Work from the internet rather than licensing it. It alleges Wareka discovered the unauthorized use of one or more of the photographs on December 22, 2023 and then notified the defendant in writing, and that as of filing the Work remained published despite multiple communications demanding its removal. (Compl. paras. 12 to 20, 28 to 29.)

The count and relief

Count I alleges copyright infringement under 17 U.S.C. 501, including direct, vicarious, and/or contributory theories, and alleges willfulness. Wareka seeks declarations that the defendant infringed and that the infringement was willful; actual damages and profits under 17 U.S.C. 504(b) or, at her election, statutory damages under 504(c) for each photograph; costs and attorney fees under 505; interest; and a permanent injunction under 502. (Compl. paras. 21 to 34; prayer.)

The docket

The docket records the initial assignment of the case to District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles and Magistrate Judge Lindsey R. Vaala on October 28, 2026. A summons issued to Lashes Look LLC on October 29, 2026. (Docket entries of Oct. 28, 2026; entry 3.)