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Someone's copied my product!

by DavidO
10 replies
I knew it would happen eventually with a good product like mine... somebody has copied it!

I don't have a patent to stop it and, as they say, imitation is the best form of flattery.

But what I do object to is content copied directly from my website... word for word, same fonts, styles, etc.

What should I do? I can surely force changes to identical content but it's a simple thing to change it sufficiently to prevent copyright conflict. That's hardly going to make a dent in my competition.

Still, just on principle I'm not going to let them get away with outright copying.
#copied #product
  • Profile picture of the author sparrow
    If they are so stupid to copy your website word for word etc...

    contact their hosting company more than one person has been stopped from promoting a stolen product this way

    don't hesitate while the iron is hot

    Ed
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  • Profile picture of the author DavidO
    I've also discovered lots of bits and pieces of my copy they've stolen verbatim. Again, it's not enough to make a federal case over but I'm going to harass them just to let them know I'm onto them!
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    • Profile picture of the author sparrow
      contact their host company most hosting companies shut down an account then ask questions later, especially since they copied your website veratim

      Ed


      Originally Posted by DavidO View Post

      I've also discovered lots of bits and pieces of my copy they've stolen verbatim. Again, it's not enough to make a federal case over but I'm going to harass them just to let them know I'm onto them!
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  • Profile picture of the author DavidO
    Thanks for your suggestion, Ed. It's a tough call though. What they've copied is mostly reports, technical content, etc. I've also acquired from other open sources. However, the way it matches my fonts, italics, and very specific layout I use reveals that these sections are cut and paste jobs.

    Does this constitute copyright infringement? I don't know but I doubt that they were stupid enough for that.
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    • Profile picture of the author DavidO
      Upon further investigation I have also discovered the use of product and trademark names almost identical to mine.

      I have sent a formal complaint to the webhost's abuse department citing violation of copyright and trademark law.
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      • Profile picture of the author Ross Dalangin
        Originally Posted by DavidO View Post

        Upon further investigation I have also discovered the use of product and trademark names almost identical to mine.

        I have sent a formal complaint to the webhost's abuse department citing violation of copyright and trademark law.
        That's a good step you've made. Send several emails to their host. I don't know if the domain is also an issue. So check he whois information and track them when they change host. Let us informed on the development of this case.
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    • Profile picture of the author sparrow
      David

      I don't think its a tough call if they did what you say they did

      if its pretty obvious follow through and have their host and them figure it out

      I know host companies do shut accounts down for this and ask questions later, they don't want to be involved in a law suit so they react fast

      this happens all the time so you must react fast

      Ed


      Originally Posted by DavidO View Post

      Thanks for your suggestion, Ed. It's a tough call though. What they've copied is mostly reports, technical content, etc. I've also acquired from other open sources. However, the way it matches my fonts, italics, and very specific layout I use reveals that these sections are cut and paste jobs.

      Does this constitute copyright infringement? I don't know but I doubt that they were stupid enough for that.
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      • Profile picture of the author DavidO
        Thanks, Ed, I do understand the need to act quickly. I've already filed a complaint with the host and I will follow up on a daily basis.
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  • Profile picture of the author danaprince
    Sorry to hear it, David. How infuriating! Keep us posted on what their webhost says. I hope they get shut down. I've had articles and blog posts copied and 9/10 times when I confront the plagiariser they apologize and make immediate changes.

    Cheers,
    Dana
    Signature

    Dana Prince - The SEO Writer~ Helping You Optimize Your Online Business

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