Hello members,
I'm opening up this thread in light of a serious concern of one member's items and descriptions being copied by another seller.
This behavior angers me. I've reviewed both shops and see where the original seller is justified in believing that the other is copying, with very slight alterations in descriptions or design. There is a fine line between inspiration and copying, and we would all be better if we tried not to walk that line.
Now, because we respect all of our sellers, I'm not going to name any names or even describe the items being copied. This would be a violation of Etsy policies as well as, in my opinion, a negative and scary door to open. This group is about celebrating our relationships as fellow sellers and helping each of us achieve our goals as Etsians. I don't want this to devolve into a bickering match. Instead, I'd love to open up the discussion on what to do in these situations or if you've ever experienced anything like this (once again, no naming names!).
I do know that all shops are welcome to contact Etsy support if they feel their shop is being copied. Yet the descriptions or items have to be quite exact, so many sellers have been disappointed with the outcome of contacting Etsy.
Here is there information on Copyright Infringement:
https://www.etsy.com/help/article/482An article on what you should know about copyrighting your work:
https://www.etsy.com/help/article/263On a less professional tone- think about these things on a personal level. If you were putting your time, your energy, and creative juices toward a shop and found out that someone was riding your coattails, how would you feel? I would be angry and hurt. The items I post are not only represent an item I think would sell, but they're also the result of me sacrificing other pursuits (time with family & friends, hobbies, other jobs guaranteed to bring in money) in order to pursue what I am passionate about.
Let's be a community where our sellers are honored for their commitment to bettering their lives through their small business and not one where good people fear their efforts will only result in frustration.
As I said, feel free to comment about your personal experiences without dragging specifics into it. Also, if anyone has recommendations, please share!
Finally, just to be cautious, I'm putting Etsy's guidelines of appropriate conduct below:
How do I conduct myself as a member of the Etsy community?
In order to make sure that Etsy’s community spaces remain safe and respectful, we ask that all members adhere to the following rules.
Above all: treat one another with respect. Remember, there is a real person behind each name.
You may not engage in targeted abuse or harassment.
You may not publish or post threats of violence against others. You must not promote or encourage others to engage in violence or illegal activity.
You may not disparage a specific member, shop, or item (identifiable by name or specific details) with nonconstructive, negative posts.
Content posted in community spaces must not promote, support, or glorify hatred toward or otherwise demean people based upon: race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, disability, or sexual orientation.
