Monday, October 15, 2007

Uh Oh

This morning I was contacted by a reader and loyal customer who let me know that someone seems to be copying my sweater softies. I always tend to give people the benefit of the doubt but when I saw this, my heart sank. I do appreciate that people like my creatures and in some cases believe that imitation is flattery, but not when the items are being sold on etsy nonetheless, the same venue I use to sell my own softies.

Imitation Owl Softie
The thing that really gets me with this is that the face is almost identical to my owls, right down to how I make the beak. Not to mention the use of ribbon. It's all so very frustrating as someone who makes their living from selling hand made goods. This is how I support my family. I have spoken to my lawyer friend who agrees that there is enough similarity to pursue some legal action. All of my work is under copyright and is therefore protected against blatant copying.

Genuine Owl Softie
For future reference, in case anyone is wondering, all of my items are original designs and are protected by all applicable copyrights.

On a more positive note, I made a couple more not so spooky ghosts for the shop.


7 comments:

Lorajean said...

I'm so sorry that someone would do this. I agree that you should take legal action! I have been an admirer of your work for a while and feel dorky for this to be my first comment on your blog, but I love your work! I can see the love you put into each of your creations. The other one is obviously a copy. Good luck!

Lorajean said...

PS I love the ghost!!!

Lucykate Crafts... said...

so glad you are able to do something about this. it really annoys me when people think that copying is an ok thing to do, so cheeky too, putting them up for sale on etsy !

Anonymous said...

oh that is just awful.
i am so sorry this is happening to you.
your creations are so gorgeous and unique.
love your work!

{kimmymade} said...

Her Etsy shop seems to be no more... What a shame ;-) !

Ana Paula said...

I love everything you make, I'm so sorry the whole copying thing is getting so bad :(

Vintage Blue Studio said...

So sorry to hear someone was copying you like that and then selling on etsy. It seems this behavior happens far too much on etsy. By the way, the ghost is super cute!

Diana