Stolen Designs

[kimmpossible]

Hello - 

I am a little frustrated because so many of my designs are being copied or parts of my designs are being copied and resold on Etsy or Zazzle. I just came across a shop that is selling VERY similar items based off of a design in my shop. What can I do? I work really hard to come up with unique designs and it takes a ton of my time. It probably took me two weeks time to perfect this specific wildflower design.

This is the shop: <removed by moderator>

These are the items in my shop: https://www.zazzle.com/collections/wildflower_birthday_party-119208787755729053

It is frustrating because I know Zazzle checks each listing before posting and allowing someone to sell items. I know there are millions of items for sale, but sellers should not be getting ripped off like this.

Thank you for any insight.

Kim Wilhite

[kimmpossible]

I should also add, the "Wild One" font and wording used in her shop is a unique set of fonts that I added together to create that design. They would have had to steal the design itself to come up with it.

[CreativeLeahG]

As PP said this is a tricky one.

I as an example have wildflower themes featuring the arch created 2years ago. As such that 'design theme' is not original to you unless they have really copied every element which is possible, it's happened to me. I see items that so closely resemble mine I think they are mine.

Have you checked the date the other designer created their item to see if came after or before yours?

I do sympathise. And if they have as you say stolen your fonts I am sure Zazzle will act.

ps. I had a peep at your store, you have beautiful creations!

[kimmpossible]

Thank you @CreativeLeahG . I would love to check out your shop, but I can't figure out how to find it from your profile.

I know it happens, it has happened to most of my bestsellers, but this one was like a full replica of my design. Usually other designers at least try to tweak a few things or do their own fonts. 

[PenguinPower]

Unless you created the flower graphic or the font(s), you likely  have no exclusive rights in this case… Layout is not often considered to be original work and is rarely eligible for copyright. As long as others have access to the same fonts and graphics and are using them legally, they are free to reproduce designs they see. 

[Scott · Accepted solution]

Hi Kim, sorry that this has happened to you. I would suggest reporting one or two of the offending products. You can do this by scrolling down the product page until you see a "Report this design" link. It'll be in the "About this Design" section of the page. That will alert the correct team, who will take a look at the design. Be sure to mention that you made the design yourself by merging fonts together. Also, I've removed the store link from your original post because this conversation is best to happen between you and the Zazzle team.

[kimmpossible]

Thanks, Scott. I will do that now.

[CreativeLeahG]

I don't know if it helps or not but I did a reverse image search on your wild one invite and I found a number of similar designs using the same type of wildflower behind arch and same font type via Google, some available via ETSY dating back a year or more. If your design is more recent it could be the case they didn't copy you but one of these other designers (or were inspired by) ? This one as an example was created nearly 2yrs ago and is an Etsy pick so likely very visible on that site. There are a few 'wild ones' out there too with same font. 

It is often the case, ideas pop into our heads subliminally as we see so much and aren't aware that our ideas are not entirely our own. It can be an innocent mistake BUT if you see a designer ( as I have) who routinely copies your style or in the case of some  ' everything they see that appears to be selling well' then it's likely something more nefarious. ie as is the case with your combined fonts.

ps. to do a reverse image search, you go to product 'share' and right click for 'google image search'.  It might help you identify other infringements.

 

[kimmpossible]

Thanks for taking the time to do that, @CreativeLeahG . I'm not exactly sure how long I have had this design, but it's probably been in the 2 year range as well.  I do see the similarities to my invitation, but the colors are different and the fonts, although they look similar, are different. I do see what you are saying, though. My invite is an Etsy's Pick (haven't been on Etsy long) as well as an Editor's Pick on Zazzle, so I know it will be seen and slightly copied in some ways. About six months back, there was someone who stole my whole design from Zazzle and was re-selling it on Etsy. All of that shop's items were copies of other people's designs. Someone notified me on Zazzle Messenger, but luckily the shop was shut down. I was ticked to see a handful of reviews with my invitation that someone else was selling. I am going to attach my invitation here as well as the offending product. I hope that is okay, hopefully a moderator will remove if not. I am not as bothered by similar designs, but I personally mixed these fonts together to create this look, so it is unfortunate to see it duped on Zazzle.

My InvitationCopied Item

[CreativeLeahG]

Yes .... 'inspired' definitely, keep us updated re this!

[marianrose405]

Your designs are beautiful. It is a shame that people feel the need to steal. It takes hours to create these works of art, it may look simple and easy but it is not.