Egyptian activist and media personality Maha El Sebaie made headlines after being accused of posting an artwork and claiming it as her own, when it was actually created in 2019 by Danish artist Lisa Lach-Nielsen. During an episode of the show Ma'akum Mona El-Shazly, El Sebaie presented a painting titled "I Made Myself Wings" as her own work, despite Lach-Nielsen having previously posted it on her Instagram account. This sparked a wave of criticism on social media regarding the theft and unauthorized attribution of artistic works.
The Danish artist commented on the matter, stating: "It is truly wonderful to see your work displayed on a big screen on a famous show, but Maha El Sebaie forgot to attribute it, and instead claimed that she painted the artwork that I created back in 2019."
Lach-Nielsen added that having someone post another person's artwork and claim ownership is "a new experience" for her, emphasizing that this action is "an offense under Egyptian law, international law, and the Berne Convention" when used for self-promotion.
Media and Legal Reactions
The controversy quickly escalated in the media, with Lach-Nielsen sharply criticizing the approach of the show and its team. Mona El-Shazly, the show's host, subsequently clarified via the official Facebook page that the painting in question was "created by Danish artist Lisa Lach-Nielsen," underscoring the show's full respect for genuine creators.
For her part, El Sebaie posted an apology on social media, acknowledging her passion for fine art. Followers noted that the final stance taken by Ma'akum Mona El-Shazly rendered justice to the original artist, as the channel's post cleared any doubts regarding intentional theft and confirmed its recognition of true ownership.
Lach-Nielsen later revealed the massive support she received, stating she received thousands of encouraging messages from Egyptian followers apologizing on behalf of their country for El Sebaie's actions. She also noted that Egyptian journalists and lawyers had reached out to explore potential legal action against El Sebaie for rights infringement; while she is considering the option, she has not yet taken a firm stance.
She further confirmed that the episode's video was removed from YouTube and social media platforms to prevent continued infringement, adding that she would retain a protected copy to monitor any future use of the painting.
Legal Framework and Symbol of Justice
Relevant legislation confirms that protecting creators is a fundamental, non-negotiable right. Legal doctrine and jurisprudence emphasize that copyright "is a right that cannot be infringed upon or plagiarized." This encompasses both the economic and moral rights of the author, granting the creator comprehensive legal protection against unauthorized exploitation.
In other words, intellectual property infringement (using a work without permission) and artistic plagiarism (attributing someone else's original work to yourself) are legally punishable offenses. As Lach-Nielsen pointed out, misattributing an artwork "is not only a violation of the law, but also an insult to the person who poured their soul and time into creating it."
- Intellectual Property Infringement: Includes reproducing, publishing, or displaying artwork without authorization from the rights holder (e.g., photographing a painting or distributing copies without consent).
- Artistic Plagiarism: Claiming to be the original creator of someone else's work (e.g., attributing the painting "I Made Myself Wings" to El Sebaie).
- Copyright and Authorship Rights: Under copyright protection laws, creators hold exclusive protection periods requiring mandatory attribution whenever their work is cited or reproduced. Copyright serves as a mechanism to prevent third parties from exploiting works without permission.
Under international agreements such as the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, protection applies automatically upon creation in a fixed medium, meaning Lach-Nielsen's rights have been legally protected since the moment she painted the piece. Unauthorized use or distribution constitutes a clear breach of both international and local laws. In Egypt, copyright law provides for penalties including fines and imprisonment upon proof of intellectual property infringement, particularly when cases are brought before the judiciary.
Legal Protection for Artworks and Specialized Consultation
Legal consultation and rights protection studies play a vital role in preventing art theft. Experts strongly advise officially documenting artworks, as registering intellectual property rights with official authorities provides solid legal evidence in disputes. Official copyright records enable creators to easily prove ownership in court, preventing unauthorized exploitation.
Specialized consulting firms—such as Abou Naja Intellectual Property and other regional firms—encourage proactive protection. These agencies offer advice on art law and copyright registration, guiding creators on using watermarks or clear citations when displaying works online. They also assist with registering trademarks, logos, and innovations as legal assets that can later be licensed or sold. Preventive measures grant creators and governments stronger capacity to enforce intellectual property rights and claim damages upon breach.
Practical Advice for Artists and Digital Entrepreneurs
Ongoing cases of this nature highlight critical precautions creators must take:
- Always Document Work Sources: Always credit the original creator or obtain usage permission when using images, paintings, or quotes. Proper attribution protects against allegations of theft or plagiarism.
- Official Rights Registration: Do not rely solely on unregistered copyright protection. Deposit your artwork with intellectual property registries to establish a secure legal backing for enforcement.
- Seek Specialized Legal Advice: Consult a specialized attorney or IP protection firm when uncertain about intellectual property rights. Firms like Abou Naja Intellectual Property can guide proper legal procedures and best practices for safeguarding creations.
- Comply with Laws and Guidelines: Review local and international copyright legislation (art law and conventions) and leverage available legal resources. Legal awareness prevents inadvertent errors that could lead to liability.
Respecting intellectual property and protecting copyright is both a moral obligation and a legal necessity to foster creativity. By adopting these precautionary steps, artists and digital entrepreneurs can protect their artistic and innovative investments while avoiding legal disputes.