German ebayer threatening to sue me. Has my real name.

[guitarca18]

A german ebayer has been harassing me on an account in my real name. Somehow he managed to get my real name and knew the ⊗⊗⊗⊗ name I changed it to a couple of days ago. I don't think anything has been purchased by him so I'm a little lost how he could possibly get this. Even my paypal account had my business name on it when paying for an item you only saw that.

Does EBay or paypal in Germany easily disclose this information? I did not get a notice saying my information was requested but now this guy is threatening to take legal action against me because a custom piece of artwork I created he claims he owns the right too. The art, before I modified it, was public domain, or so I thought...

I'm wondering what other information he has. Should I worry?

WOW, I think this guy is bluffing, maybe he purchased something from you using a different ebay account in the past, and thats when he obtained your real user info. I wouldn't worry about it though unless he shows proof that he has the rights to the artwork.

[guitarca18]

He did show me proof that his company created the art..He has the original negatives.

[guitarca18]

I'm thinking of just pulling all the auctions on the account. I have other stealth accounts I can use. I think he may just want to see me taken down.

Does anyone know if I close the ebay account if I'll ever be able to re-open it again? I'd rather not sacrifice the 3600 feedbacks I have on the account.

[rsot]

Don't bother closing the account - just go slow on it until you get to the bottom of this - Germany...overseas...I would not be too worried but do your due diligence...stealthwise =)

[guitarca18]

Rsot,

Thanks. Ok I'm going to pull all the auctions and the store but leave the account active. I'm thinking this may appease him. Thinking he put us out of business basically.

[guitarca18]

Just out of curiosity what would it take for someone overseas to sue within the US? Would it still be the standard process? I would need to be served and they would need to file in US District Court?

[rsot]

Overseas civil lawsuits are laughable - criminal...depends on nature of the offense (Look at the case in Sweden against Wikileaks guy as an EXTREME example or Roman Polanski is another one.

For civil lawsuits, they would need to file it in the US to be EFFECTIVE and that is an insane cost unless it's company vs. company. They might file it in Germany but they know it's just a waste of money ha.

Anyhow, I am not a lawyer but I have a better grasp of shiz /disclaimer.

[forummember]

Take it with a pinch of salt.

Deny, deny, deny.

[rsot]

Blow this clown off right but I would not bother communicating - seriously, it's a waste of your time and giving this folk his attention is not worth anything.

[GreenBean]

You have been here long enough to know that free legal advise is not done here.

Dont ask such questions as the answers may not be suitable.

Answers given are opnions only.

See an attorney for your concerns.