What to Do When Someone Steals Your Content

What to do when dealing with a Content copycat! ⁣⁣
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Have you ever fallen victim to someone stealing your photos/drawings/artwork/designs/etc.? Here’s a step-by-step on how to handle this situation:⁣⁣
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1. Screenshot! Grab all the evidence of the copying that you can (before the copycat wises up and blocks you/all your friends that you asked to report them).⁣⁣
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2. On that note, WAIT to alert the IG media that someone has copied. Instead, privately reach out to the copier, with your proof, and ask them to take it down. This part is hard, but it’s better in the long run.⁣⁣
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3. That didn’t work? Try a DMCA takedown letter. This is a letter you can send to the host site (IG, Etsy, Pinterest, etc.) asking them to take the photo/work/piece down. Don’t know what this is? Let me know. ⁣⁣
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4. Still getting nowhere? You may want to talk to an attorney. A well-written demand letter (signed by an attorney) is usually pretty intimidating to the copycat. I promise lawyers aren’t scary people - but that “esq.” does work wonders sometimes. ⁣⁣
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How can you help prevent a copycat situation? ⁣⁣
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• Register your original works for copyright protection! You can’t sue for damages $$$ without this anyway. ⁣⁣
• Make sure your website/terms of use/copyright notice/etc. contain language stating you own the copyright. Notice, notice, notice!⁣⁣
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*Disclaimer* This post is strictly for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.