My First Copy Cat

[TheWishingElephant]

Just ran across my first blatant rip off. Another seller literally traced my Jackalope design. I e-mailed her and asked her to take it down, am I out of line? If so, what (if anything) should I have done?

[correenscdesigns]

It is sad that others have to tap into others' creativity for their "inspiration". I remember my first copy cat and I was HOT - the woman even packaged her ripped off blanket design the same way I did.

You were upset and rightly so any one would have emailed her. I reported someone on Alchemy for using my picture to request a cheaper version of one of my designs (and yes, I dropped her a line as well!) and it was immediately removed. I am not sure if Etsy has way of reporting one for copying someone else's design or not - but I would definately check. You have proof that your design has been up for some time and has views and love.

Good luck! BTW, I love your PB&J creepers - too cute!

[TheWishingElephant]

Just an update - the listing has been removed! No response from the seller, but I'm happy with the result. I think the copy cat thing is always going to be a battle!

[Former_Member]

Wow, it's good you got such fast results.

[HilltopPottery]

I have students in my class I call little copy cats because they copy my designs, my pieces, etc. When another potter copied my pottery I was okay with it until they tried to undersell me in the same venue. She even had the gall to say to me "why do your mugs sell at $25 and I can't sell them for $17"....so that made me smile....I do believe that copying for me is now the best form of flattery. Something "I" did was good enough to be valued by another and copied. It helps.... :D

[Former_Member]

Hmm, I've heard that line (copying is the best for of flattery), but the copy cat takes away potential income. If someone wants to copy one of my items for their own personal use, I'm flattered. Most of my items are pretty unusual, so a copy cat would look really foolish listing their knock-offs on Etsy. Unimaginative and desperate people stoop to copying. Poor folks! I'm happy you resolved the issue so quickly.

[Former_Member]

Yeah, sorry. . .but it happens.

[Former_Member]

It's very good that you had it resolved fairly fast.

[Former_Member]

I recently had someone favorite my item that was one of a kind. They made the same exact thing, and gave it the same name!!! Yuck! I think inspiration is one thing, but blatent copying is not fun when you take time to develop something unique. I didn't say anything to her, I wasn't sure how to approach it. An email was a nice idea.

[Former_Member]

Looking at what other people do or make for inspiration isn't a bad thing. But blatantly duplicating your unique item, description and packaging isn't cool. I would be upset as well.

[Former_Member]

I think many artists see something that spurs a creative thought and they aren't copying because where they take that idea ends up so totally different that most might never even see the slightest connection. On the other hand copying is not only cheap and disrespectful but against the law. I believe if the change it up a little and change the name they can often get away with it but it is up to the artist that was copied to police her work and ask the one who steal to remove it. I think then if not removed you can see an attorney and go further.

[Zehland]

I would be upset too. But if you find one person doing it, how many more that you don't know about? I am a painter and a woman came into my booth who told me about the hundreds of paintings she's copied. I said, "You must have learned so much, now you can paint your own." She was horrified and said, "Oh NO!! I only copy."
That kind of thing is hard for me to understand.
I'm glad you got that resolved quickly at least!