Copyright?

[Geegee83]

I may have copied something another seller makes. A design, but it's nothing special, just an animal shape.

They have emailed saying that I have to remove it under copyright laws, but I'm not so sure that I do?

Would they have had to register the ownership of this, or at least written in their description that it is covered by copyright?

Thanks in advance !

[rsot]

Sigh - copying is never fun Geegee83.

Is their image trademarked? IF you're not sure, time to consult a professional...

[Geegee83]

Not a Trademarked image no, they are a small time seller that claims they designed the animal image and I've copied it.

I've removed it for now and requested the proof of their copyright license, if they don't reply I'll relist it again later.

It's not a big seller, so not a major issue, just annoyed me..

[GreenBean]

Bear in mind how much more you will be annoyed if this seller takes more action....

Avoid pushing them to go to ebay with tall tales.

[rsot]

Originally Posted by Geegee83

Not a Trademarked image no, they are a small time seller that claims they designed the animal image and I've copied it.

I've removed it for now and requested the proof of their copyright license, if they don't reply I'll relist it again later.

It's not a big seller, so not a major issue, just annoyed me..

Better it annoys you a bit rather than the seller report you - wise decision, keep all communication professional

[GreenBean]

Poor choices can lead to bad luck.

Good Luck

[rsot]

Originally Posted by Greenie

Poor choices can lead to bad luck.

Good Luck

That was a good one

[Geegee83]

Very wise words GB.

I emailed them back apologising and asking for the license so we could clear it all up

It's not a major problem, I did steal it from them to be fair, but not sure how they stand regarding copyright.. I think VERO would take it down without the proof though and I'd be the one with the mark on the account.

Like you say, not worth it..

[GreenBean]

Been there.

Done that.

Got the tee shirt.

Hope it does get sorted.

One less bit of grief.

[Geegee83]

Yeah, just waiting for the next bit lol.

Already woke up to a very random Neg today for absolutely no reason at all.. don't you just love those.

I'd got back to 99.9% but not I've been demoted to 99.8% again, arghhh.. 1 neg per 1000 orders, there's always one wieirdo out there.

[GreenBean]

Open the communications at once then.

Sweet talk them.

Check the Moon. Is it about to be a full moon?

[Geegee83]

Ha! it must be..

Apologetic email sent to them to try and sort it out, they are in the USA though, so I'll have to wait.

Bloody hate being nice to idiots sometimes, but it's the only way.

[steve70000]

i had some sort of the same problem.
but he copeyed it and made some slight changes then went on to say it was all copyrighted by him.
so on that line went out bought a van gogh painting put a watch on him and called it mine..LOL...

some ppl will try BS you but just wait till he gives u the right papers..

[jeffweico]

My opinion?

Let's not worry about the legal papers.

The OP admits he took the other person's design. He got called on it. He did the right thing and removed the listing.

The item, per the OP, was not a major seller. Why risk a problem with eBay, or risk a legal battle over it?

I don't know copyright law in the UK, but here in the USA you do NOT have to register your work with the copyright office in order to own the copyright. The registration HELPS GREATLY if you ever need to go to court, but it is not necessary. So, you might want to check with a copyright lawyer in the UK if you want to try to keep selling the design.

[rsot]

Originally Posted by steve70000

i had some sort of the same problem.
but he copeyed it and made some slight changes then went on to say it was all copyrighted by him.
so on that line went out bought a van gogh painting put a watch on him and called it mine..LOL...

some ppl will try BS you but just wait till he gives u the right papers..

This is the hazard of online business - need professional law help then if you want to fight back.

[Geegee83]

Jefweico - precisely, no point me worrying about it when;

a) I did steal it.
b) It's not a big seller.

I might make some new designs of my own to rival that one though

[jeffweico]

Originally Posted by Geegee83

Jefweico - precisely, no point me worrying about it when;

a) I did steal it.
b) It's not a big seller.

I might make some new designs of my own to rival that one though

Now, THAT is a plan!

I can say that RARELY have I seen anything that I thought might sell well that I couldn't think of how to improve upon.

Make a couple of designs (or, 400) and find out what copyright requirements are in the UK. Get UPC's or EAN's for your items (cheap) and then sell them not only on eBay, but on Amazon too. Create your own niche products and have some protection from copycats. The protection may be limited, to be sure, but it couldn't hurt.

[Geegee83]

Good advice jeffweico

I'll have a look into EAN's, sounds like a plan!

I looked at Amazon, but it's looks so complicated compared to eBay. I've been on eBay for years, so it's second nature to me now.

I'm stacked out with work currently, but if/when I take on some workers I'll aim to branch out. Working on my website at the moment, then think again about Amazon.

[rsot]

Originally Posted by Geegee83

Good advice jeffweico

I'll have a look into EAN's, sounds like a plan!

I looked at Amazon, but it's looks so complicated compared to eBay. I've been on eBay for years, so it's second nature to me now.

I'm stacked out with work currently, but if/when I take on some workers I'll aim to branch out. Working on my website at the moment, then think again about Amazon.

If your approach to Amazon is as thorough as your approach to eBay,you will succeed Geegee - quite informed and open to ideas

[Geegee83]

Are you flirting with me rsot? Haha

[rsot]

...pm

[GreenBean]

Gawd.

No eye candy please