http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html
Under 17 U.S.C. 106, it is unlawful to reproduce or distribute someone
else's copyrighted work without that person's authorization.    Posting
copyright materials on the internet constitutes copyright infringement.

Any
time before a court issues a final judgment, you can elect to receive a
set amount in damages as defined in the copyright statute, in lieu of
actual damages. The amount of statutory damages can range from $200 to
$150,000, based on a court's determination of several factors,
including whether the infringement was intentional.

506. Criminal offenses
Any
person who willfully infringes a copyright shall be punished as
provided under section 2319 of title 18Section 501 of the copyright law
states that “anyone who violates any of the exclusive rights of the
copyright owner …is an infringer of the copyright or right of the
author.”

Sadly these people used this image illegally… both in print and on the web, they covered up my watermark with a logo. We eventually got them to remove the image from the web but never recovered the 6 foot banner.  However, the printer did work with the Professional Photographers Association and Copyright Aliance immediately when notified with regard to copyright law.  Small business are seriously hurt by unethical practice.  Please respect the artist and honest professionals.

"Warning:
The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work
is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement
without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by
up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000."