Copy Cats

[#1]

I just discovered that, not one but several, of my designs are being copied by other shops. Not only that but they're showing up in searches before I am. And, yes, I have all the right words in all the right places in titles, descriptions, and tags. And I've renewed the listings...so I really don't understand how that can be.

And that old saying about imitation being the sincerest form of flattery....forget that....my designs were stolen and I'm mad and scared.

I don't know whether to write to the shop owners and demand that they stop reproducing my designs or just let it go and hope that buyers will see the quality in my rings AND customer service.

Sorry, just needed to rant and tell someone.

[Former_Member]

I once thought about entering a jewelry competition and had a few questions about what type of designs were allowed...after much back and forth, this statement was made by the competition organizers.

"No jewelry is considered original anymore because jewelry has been around forever."

I chose not to compete in that event. They weren't trying to be ugly, just realistic.

[GoodWindHunting]

Ha, I had to take a look at your shop to make sure I wasn't unintentionally making the same stuff as you. I think we're good though. Your jewelry is great, I've already looked at your shop several times in the past, keep up the good work!

[GoodWindHunting]

By the way, I've made stuff in the past, not jewelry related, that I got really excited about, thinking it was a completely original idea, only to stumble across it online some time later. So the "great minds think alike" argument is a possible explanation, though probably not if there are several copied items.

I've been cautiously optimistic that my etched coins truly are original, but am also curious to see if they start popping up in other shops...

[Former_Member]

I'm really glad I saw this post tonight. I make one piece of jewelry that I feel proud to stand behind. Funny, because I won't put it anywhere because I'm terrified it will be copied. So, where has that got me? Nowhere! I'm making the pieces, fearful about them, looking at them everyday, and none the happier. I wish I'd put on my pants and get off the pity pot! I am even guilty of cruising other jewelry sites to get ideas. So...?
I do try to respect that there can can be two gas stations on the same block....but they can also be friends. They can help each other out a lot too by working together! "Hey Al, I'm going to offer free coffee with each fill up, that's not something you are doing is it? If it is, do you have any ideas that you think my customer's would like but you can't provide it?
No joke. My parents' had a mom and pop shop and the town was only big enough for one. One carried one brand of jeans and the other store carried another. One shop sold work clothes the other shop sold the sport coats. When one shop was out of cotton underwear, they'd get referred to the other. But, no one copied the same window designs, wrapping paper, raffles or advertisements & fundraisers.
Ha! Those were the days. So, cheers to Karma, Peace, Love and Creativity. Because with all that, there isn't any room for fear! Now, let me go make a listing! ;)

[BitsOffTheBeach]

GlassBeach, I went to your shop to see if you listed your wonderful secret item, and found a whole shop full of my secret pleasures. I love Seaglass and you have so many pretty pieces I am jealous. It's a joy just looking through your shop!

[ohmyclumsyheart]

Not to be rude but..
since I sell jewellery myself I've come across a lot of jewellery shops
and I have seen several of "your" designs in other shops
however, how do you know THEY have copied YOU?
As with a lot of other categories, the jewellery section on Etsy is saturated.
You are always going to find similar designs wherever you go.

x

[UrbanJule]

I opened this thread because I perceived something happening to me and I just wanted to vent and get a little support, which is what I thought we were all doing here. I'm not the first person that this has happened to as evidenced by some of the posts here. And I'm sure I won't be the last.

I haven't intentionally copied anyone else's designs and I've already admitted that there is the possibility that someone else had the idea first and neither one of us knew about the other. And I wouldn't have opened myself up to scrutiny if I had intentionally copied someone else's jewelry.

I've also said that lots of the types of jewelry I make are not original. There are lots of stacking rings, spinner rings, spoon and fork rings selling on Etsy and elsewhere.

I'm really sorry I even said anything "out loud"

[MythOfTheWild]

You're protected automatically under the Berne's Convention. Send a Cease and Desist letter. It IS a violation to steal people's work and designs, even if they're not financially copyrighted.

Here is a link to a basic cease and desist letter: http://www.free-legal-document.com/copyright-cease-and-desist.html
And here is a website where you can legally copyright your work for free, the only catch is (and reason it is free) is that they cannot represent you or give you any legal help if someone does copy you. But you get the copyright symbol, and a "thumbprint" of the file as proof of some kind. These should be enough to scare people away from copying you further.
www.myfreecopyright.com

[mayababyjewelry]

Don't feel bad UrbanJule about voicing your concerns. That's what teams are for. I am relatively new to etsy and I too have seen items that I thought someone copied from me. Then when I look more closely I realize they have been on etsy far longer than me and probably listed that item before I was ever here. Inspiration comes from so many places so it's entirely possible that someone else could come up with a similar item to mine. I just decided to always try to be one step ahead and experiment with ideas and thinking outside the box. Whenever I think of a new way to do something, I first do an etsy search to see if anyone else has already done it. That way I know if I'm the first one or not. Just keep doing what you do and don't waste time worrying about being copied.

[JulianosCorner]

@UrbanJule your shop is wonderful, I love your designs, I fav'd, liked and followed you! But as they say, anyone can make stuff and say it's not copying you. I suggest to anyone of you that has stuff up and you don't want your pictures being used, put a watermark on the pictures so they at least have to take their own pictures! This way your name is slashed across the pics and they can't claim them. If they are gonna copy a design, make them work at least at taking the photos of the item themselves!
And @ PeachesandPebbles Excellent information there!

[Former_Member]

Are people just stealing the design and making it and photographing it then selling it or are they stealing the picture and posting it as their own? I ask this because what if they sell the item how can they know how to make it that is what I am always confused about.

Yes this has happened to quite a few people and there is not good outcome especially for the buyers who may get duped. I would send a message and go from there. Or you can just move on and try not to think about if you can, not always easy to do.
Take care

[CCreativeVisions]

I do see why they copied you, nice designs. I also think it is a form of flatttery but not coping some one picture by picture but as an inspiration. Contact Etsy and see what they can do, but please keep doing you.