Unethical Practices: Copied Digital Downloads and AI-Generated Listings on Etsy

[LittleAgencyCo]

Hello fellow Etsy sellers,

I hope this post finds you all in good spirits. I'm here today to discuss a frustrating situation I've encountered and to seek advice from those who might have been through something similar. It's disheartening to see our creative efforts being exploited, and I believe that sharing our experiences can provide much-needed support.

My Frustrating Experience: Recently, I discovered that someone has started selling copied versions of my digital downloads on Etsy. What's even more frustrating is that they are using AI-generated images and using my exact product titles. To add insult to injury, they've priced their products significantly lower than mine, impacting my sales and hard-earned reputation (I've been a Star-Seller every month since I started my shop), Ads budget and thousands of hours of work.

Looking for Advice: If any of you have faced a similar scenario, your insights and advice would be incredibly valuable. I've taken steps to address the issue already, such as reaching out to the seller and reporting the incident to Etsy. However, I'd like to know how you navigated this challenge. How did you cope emotionally? What actions did you take to protect your products and reputation?

While I'm dealing with this situation, I'm open to hearing your thoughts on:

1. Managing Emotions: How did you handle the frustration and disappointment that come with someone copying your work?

2. Rebuilding Trust: Has your experience affected your relationship with customers, and if so, how did you rebuild trust?

3. Advice for Legal Steps: For those who've considered legal action, what advice can you offer? What factors did you consider before pursuing this route?

As a community of creators, we understand the value of our work and the effort that goes into it. While we can't always prevent unethical behavior, we can certainly support each other and learn from our collective experiences. If you've been through a similar situation, or if you have insights to share, please join the discussion. Your words might just be the guidance someone else needs in their time of frustration.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post, and I look forward to hearing your stories and advice.

Best regards,

[chocolaterabbit]

I'm so sorry that this happened to you. Unfortunately the problem is getting worse out there. Digital art has kind of become the wild west what with AI.

My story is that my images have been used by big companies without my permission. Once a customer sent me a picture of one of my images on trays that were being sold by TKMaxx (Same as TJ Maxx in the UK). That stung. The second incident was when I got a big name decorator magazine in the mail (by a very well known person who supposedly supported small artists) and they had Halloween designs on the cover. Yes...one of my images was featured bold as anything smack in the middle of a bedspread.

I've also seen my stuff on various other pieces of home decor, mostly the kind you'd find in Marshall's etc. All of it is coming from far east manufacturers.

So to answer your first question, step one is to take a deep breath, and keep slowly breathing until you feel a little calmer. I absolutely know the immediate rush of anger and frustration when you see your stuff copied, especially by the big guys. It doesn't do you any good. 

Second, sit down and think about what you can do about it. Can you send a take down notice to Etsy if it's copyright? Is it bad enough and wide spread enough that you should lawyer up? In my case I realized that there wasn't anything that I could do about it. That sucked, and the big manufacturers know this.  

I'm just over it now. There's things that are more important. I just keep on making designs, and I do my best to make them as hard to copy as possible. That's  not going to stop big company representatives from buying the files and using them regardless of my TOU. If it's worth my wile getting a lawyer because I'm losing money I will without hesitation. 

I also have my images monitored by a site that will let me know if they are posted online without permission. 

I'm not sure that helps, but it might give you a start on at least dealing with it initally.

Good luck, I hope that you get this all resolved quickly

Edited to say that you can also copyright your original artwork through the US Copyright office. If you have a number it will be easier to get your takedowns approved.

Also etsy has a Reporting Portal where you can add your intellectual property in the case of copying

[LittleAgencyCo]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience—it’s both heartbreaking and infuriating to see our work taken without permission. I’ve taken the steps to copyright my images and bundles and reported these violations to Etsy, but unfortunately, no action has been taken so far. It’s particularly frustrating because some of these infringers have also purchased my products and left 1-star reviews, which Etsy hasn't addressed, citing a lack of proof. Your advice to focus on moving forward and creating new designs is something I’m trying to embrace. I’m also exploring additional legal avenues, but the emotional toll is significant. Your support and understanding truly mean a lot during this challenging time.

[DragonflyDreams1]

It hurts, plain and simple. To find someone benefitting from your hard work. It is theft. The first time I handled it with a bit of anger, crying, stomping around, etc. Then I realized that personally, I cannot protect everything I create. I am one artist with a husband who is a transplant recipient. I have neither the time nor money to protect and enforce what is mine. I have learned that I can cope by doing better. I choose to make new designs and evolve as quickly as I can. I cope by creating something of higher quality. I cope with a belief in karma.

I have not had any trust issues with my customers. When I am asked an obvious question that I know relates to another seller I answer it honestly. Recently I was asked by a customer if an item was shipped flat and they had to form it. I told them absolutely not, my items are shipped in boxes exactly as they are shown (another seller on etsy does flatten their items). I was asked recently if my copper would rust. I politely told them that I use pure solid copper, and if a copper item is rusting it is plated and not pure copper. Trust comes with honest answers and quality products. 

I have on some occasions filed for copyrights to protect certain designs. I have had to choose. If it is a high-value item then it is worth the time and expense to me. Most of the time I keep my head held high and move forward. Do I still find it upsetting, of course I do. It is not in my best interest to hold onto the anger. It is better for me to find joy in creating. A minute of anger is a minute of joy lost.

It was less than a year from the point I started online sales that others started copying and stealing my designs. I would have had a much different opinion then. But now I have the benefit of over 2 decades dealing with it.

I wish you well and hope you find the support you need. Please know you are not alone, there are too many of us out there that have experienced it, or will.

[LittleAgencyCo]

Your words resonate SO MUCH—seeing someone benefit from your hard work without consequence is incredibly painful. I’ve copyrighted my work and reported these cases to Etsy, but it’s been disheartening that no action has been taken, even when these competitors leave damaging reviews. Like you, I’m trying to channel my frustration into creating higher-quality designs and maintaining trust with my customers. Your focus on joy and creativity over anger is something I aspire to, and I’m grateful for your advice and support.

[WilloughbyDecals]

I use PIXSY they go after infringers for me, I get paid either way and they get my images taken down at no cost to me.

[LittleAgencyCo]

Thank you for the recommendation. I’ve already copyrighted my work and reported these infringements to Etsy, but without success so far. Given that some of these infringers have also left false 1-star reviews, I’m exploring all available options to protect my business. I’ll definitely look into PIXSY as a potential solution—it’s reassuring to know there are tools out there that might help. Your advice is greatly appreciated!

[OwlAlwaysKnit]

@Rehook please stop spamming the forums

[CryzalisDesigns]

last person who was spamming the forum with IP services was removed from the forum, wonder if they also closed their shop down