Copyright of text - what do you do?

Copyrighting your text  and how to prevent duplicaton of your content. - this week's blog is an intereresting one and born from the fact that this weekend I discovered it had happened to me.
Of course, copying is said to be the most sincerest form of flattery.  However, not if it damages your website!
I've written previously regarding the protection of jewellery designs - or any designs as an artist for that matter.  But what if someone's copied your text?

First of all - how do you know?

It was just by chance that I was reading an article regarding duplication on my own website and thought to run a check for plagiarism on my website by others - this is what I discovered.  (I've naturally hidden the name of the website responsible).

The text in pink is an EXACT copy of mine!  The image I have uploaded above the highlighted text is a way to protect your website to avoid this happening to you.  Here's the link to the website -

COPYSCAPE

Input your web address and it will bring up results for your text for the page you have chosen to assess.
It is free to use for a few checks - after that, they do expect you to pay.  But use it 2 - 3 times a month and you can keep a weather eye on what's happening.

Then what do you do?
I immediately sent an email via the offending website's contact page advising them of their infringement of my copyright and requested a reply within 3 days to confirm when the text would be deleted by their webmaster.  I advised that if I did not hear back by this time, then I would put the matter into the hands of my legal team.

By the end of the day the offending text had been removed. 

Protect Your Ideas and Designs - Handmade Business Tip of the Week

Looking after your original designs for your handmade craft.

As a crafter you will have plenty of ideas and designs - some of which you put into practice, make and then sell online. If you're selling online who do you know that these designs aren't being copied?

Well, in all honesty you don't!  However, if you spot a design that you know you created what do you do?

1) When anyone is viewing your product, it's important to advise them that the design is protected from copying. The item is your intellectual property.  The originator of the design owns it, unless they created it whilst being employed to make that design, in which case the employer owns it.  So, if you have a website, why not put a note in the footer to state that your designs are protected and should not be copied. Selling on Etsy / Folksy - put a note at the bottom of each handcrafted item you upload.

2) Keep proof of when you designed the item.  For instance, with my handmade silver jewellery - each photograph I take is dated and I also print the page when it was uploaded online together with full notes of how it was made.  Therefore, the proof of the date is available if it is required.

3) What do you do if you see someone has copied your design?  Send them notification that this is your design and that you have proof and they must desist or pay you a proportion of their sales in commission (the choice is yours).
If they don't respond send another notification to advise that you will take legal action.
If they don't respond to that - then the answer is to carry through with your threat. 
Take a look at this link to the UK Copyright Service which relates specifically to Designs and your rights. Of course every country will be different, but the idea is the same no matter where you live.

Your Handmade Craft and Design Protection