Struggle with Unauthorized Use of Work on CFX and Tebex

[MrHunter_0]

My Ongoing Struggle with Unauthorized Use of My Work on CFX and Tebex

In July this year, I discovered that an individual operating under the store name Banana Creation had decrypted and stolen my work. They listed it for sale on Tebex and promoted it on the CFX forum. It took several days of effort to get these unauthorized posts and listings removed.

• Store (now removed): Banana Creation Tebex Store
• Post (now unlisted): CFX Post

Months later, in October, I came across a modified version of the same map being sold on another Tebex store under the name VertexMods and made a post in CFX. I reported this to both CFX and Tebex, but unfortunately, the post remained active on the CFX forum. When I filed a DMCA with Tebex, the individual countered my claim with baseless arguments, exploiting the system. Tebex then advised me to pursue legal action.

However, the individual is based in India, while I am from another country. Pursuing legal action across borders is both financially and logistically impractical for me, leaving me with no effective recourse.

• Post (updated with new branding): CFX Post
• Store (now removed): VertexMods Tebex Store

Today, I discovered that Banana Creation and VertexMods are, in fact, the same person operating under different names. This individual has rebranded yet again, now calling themselves Banana Development. Using the decrypted version of my map, they’ve made further modifications and relisted it for sale. They continue to exploit the loopholes in the system, knowing that countering DMCA claims is costly and complicated for creators like me.

• Current Post (rebranded): CFX Post
• New Store: Banana Development Tebex Store

Frustration and Lack of Support

This situation is deeply frustrating. I’ve reported the issue to Tebex again, but I anticipate facing the same challenges as before. The system heavily favors bad actors who exploit DMCA processes, making it nearly impossible for creators to protect their work effectively.

As a long-time contributor to this platform, I’ve always shared a portion of my earnings, just as many other creators do. In return, I expect faster and more robust support from platforms like Tebex and CFX, especially in cases like these where there’s clear evidence of repeated violations.

Closing Thoughts

I’m sharing this here not just to document my experience but also because I have no other avenue to resolve this. I’ve exhausted my options, and the lack of actionable support from the platforms I rely on is disheartening. I hope this message reaches someone who can take meaningful action to address these issues.

My Original Work: MrHunter 24/7 Supermarket

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

[LamontCranston]

I used to release free maps/mlos etc, but since I found several of my maps ‘for sale’ by others and dissatisfaction in having no resolution from the websites allowing people to list them for their own profit, I have stopped releasing anything of significance.

This is an unfortunate side of monetising releases, instead of people contributing to the community, and horrible humans ripping each other off.

[MrHunter_0]

I have immense respect for this community, as it has played a significant role in shaping who I am today. However, the lack of support in situations like this leaves me feeling incredibly frustrated and disheartened.

I’ve worked with other platforms in the past, and no matter the challenges, support was never lacking. I sincerely hope that CFX addresses this issue soon. This isn’t just a community; it’s a platform where real money and high-value exchanges take place. As such, it deserves a higher standard of care and protection for its creators.

[BananaDevelopment]

False Allegations by MD Antar Mahmud Sheikh (Bangladesh)

Dear MrHunter,

I am writing to formally dispute the recent DMCA claim filed against my product(s) listed on Tebex and promoted via CFX forums. I believe this claim to be false, as my work is entirely original, and I have the evidence to support this. Below, I will outline the key points of my defense and provide clear, verifiable proof of ownership.

Proof of Original Work

Blender Project File (Raw Development File)
To demonstrate that I am the original creator of this content, I am providing the original Blender file used to create this project. This file includes:

• Full development history and layer data.
• Custom meshes, UV mapping, and textures that were created from scratch.
• Project timestamps that showcase the progression of the development process.

Reference Image
The design elements in my work are not copied from any other creator. I have attached my some reference images, which was generated using AI (via Leonardo AI, Midjourney). This image was used as inspiration for the design, and I can provide logs of the AI generation request and timestamps for transparency. The textures, layout, and design choices are mine alone.

Proof of No Similar Images/Design

The claim states that my work is similar to another existing map/product. This is incorrect.

Tebex Authorization & Legal Right to Sell

Tebex has approved my store, and I have legal rights to sell my product under their guidelines.

• Tebex Approval: My store was reviewed and approved under Tebex’s content guidelines. This means my store and products were found to be compliant with Tebex’s content policies.

Clear Rebuttal to Allegations

• No Decryption or Theft: I have never decrypted, leaked, or stolen files from any creator. My work is original, verifiable, and supported by development files (Blender), original textures, and AI-generated concept art.
• Evidence Over Claims: The claimant has provided no clear evidence of theft or leakage. On the contrary, I have provided raw files, development proof, and timestamps.

I kindly request that this claim be reviewed with full consideration of the attached evidence. I am happy to provide any additional documentation, project files, or proof of original work as required.

I appreciate your time and attention to this matter. If you need any further clarification or additional evidence, I am happy to provide it. I look forward to your response and resolution of this issue.

[MrHunter_0]

Hay @BananaDevelopment

When you first posted my map under your name Banana Creation, I chose not to make a big deal out of it. I had seen your other work at the time and simply wanted you to take down my map.

Several of my community members confronted you, but instead of admitting to it, you lied. You had clearly decrypted my map, renamed the files, altered some backdoor elements and a few textures, and then released it as if it were your own. Even the thumbnail you used was copied directly from mine.

For reference:

• My Original Map:
  

  

• Your Illegally Released Version:
  

  

When you refused to cooperate, I had no choice but to report the incident. After an investigation, your post was unlisted, and your entire store was taken down.

Now, I need you to explain:
Why did you decrypt and release my map on July 12th, 2024? Did you not realize it was illegal? I can understand if you were just starting out and made a mistake, but being honest is the first step forward.

You clearly have talent in MLO development. Why not create your own work? If you needed help, I would have been more than willing to assist you.

We’ll address your most recent actions later. For now, I’m asking for a clear and honest answer one the first actions.

Thank you.