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Someone Copied My Website!

by Mark Brian
10 replies
I just found out today that somebody copied my website design totally exactly. The best thing about it was he managed to outrank me for some keywords! Totally amazing!

I have not legally registered copyright ownership of the design. My only proof is that my domain is registered about one year ahead of his. Apparently archive.org does not index css/images, so I can't use much of it as proof (they show plain text). Do I have a chance to shut him down?
#copied #website
  • Profile picture of the author LMC
    My best advice would be to send a cease and desist letter.

    If that doesn't halt their activity, dunno... report to their host.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jillian Slack
      This has happened to me twice.

      I'm not an attorney. I found examples of cease and desist letters online, tweaked them, and demanded that they remove my content from their site by a certain date and time or I would expect to receive a cashiers check for $_______ via overnight delivery by a certain date.

      Both times, they took my content down before the deadline.
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  • Profile picture of the author CashTactics
    I have had this happen several times.

    If you are brave and he isn't using whois protection then call him on the phone and let him know that if he doesn't take it down in 24 hours that you will pass the information on to your lawyer. Most of the time that will cause them to take it down. Let him know you are sending a formal C&D in the mail and if he doesn't take it down your lawyer will be contacting him.

    Most are more than happy to comply. As a general rule of thumb copy cats are new in the industry and scare really easily.

    If you can't get his phone number you would need to contact his hosting company. Make sure you put in your footer that all material on the page is copy written. Look at the bottom of the warrior forum to see an example.

    This is usually enough for the hosting company.

    Best of luck. If you have any other questions feel free to send me a PM.

    Kris
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    Cashtactics.net - Strategic Marketing at Warp Speeds!
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  • Profile picture of the author rapidscc
    Hi Mark,

    If you are the creator of the site design it's a violation of your intellectual property rights..

    You should send them the letter provided by jillian.

    See if they stop when they know they're busted..Just make sure that yours is the original though..

    oMar
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  • Profile picture of the author searchnology
    Also, encrypt your html source code going forward.
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    Google's Keyword Tool is Gone!..You will NEED this! - Watch Demo that Uncovers 1000s of KEYWORDS Other Tools Miss! »


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    • Profile picture of the author mywebwork
      Originally Posted by searchnology View Post

      Also, encrypt your html source code going forward.
      Man, why didn't I think of that! And here I've spent the better part of a day working on security for an API I'm building when all I had to do was "encrypt my html source code" and all would be good.

      Wonderful advice - nobody would ever steal (or be able to use) an encrypted site!

      :rolleyes:

      As a practical plan the C&D letter is probably your best bet. Good luck with it.

      Bill
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      • Profile picture of the author searchnology
        Originally Posted by mywebwork View Post

        Man, why didn't I think of that! And here I've spent the better part of a day working on security for an API I'm building when all I had to do was "encrypt my html source code" and all would be good.

        Wonderful advice - nobody would ever steal (or be able to use) an encrypted site!

        :rolleyes:

        As a practical plan the C&D letter is probably your best bet. Good luck with it.

        Bill
        100% lockdown is not the goal here...this is a deterent for casual theives.

        ...anyone can take your code or hack your server as well if they really wanted to.
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  • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
    Also, encrypt your html source code going forward.
    You have GOT to be kidding...
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    The 2nd Amendment, 1789 - The Original Homeland Security.

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  • Profile picture of the author Jon Alexander
    yes, he was kidding. (I hope!)
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    http://www.contentboss.com - automated article rewriting software gives you unique content at a few CENTS per article!. New - Put text into jetspinner format automatically! http://www.autojetspinner.com

    PS my PM system is broken. Sorry I can't help anymore.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Brian
    Update:

    I sent an email asking him to immediately remove my design ASAP or else I'll send a formal cease and desist letter. At this very moment, my design is gone from his homepage, however his inner pages still contains my design. I hope the rest of the pages will follow.

    Thanks guys for your wonderful advice, a simple email did it.

    I have a question in mind now, do we really have to legally/formally register copyright of our website design and content every time? Or a simple copyright notice at the bottom of the website should do?
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