The growth of copycat websites........how can it be stopped.

[Frenchiexno1]

Hi all I have been noticing the increasing gowth in copycat websites ie someone claims they have a new idea, advertises it, then you see someon shouting in a forum that has been ripped off. It seems to be getting more prolific as well, so wanted to ask if this is becoming a massive problem and what o do to counter it. Oh and it happened to me!

Frenchie http://www.buythemap.com

[VeryMark]

If your website is your independent creation, then you own the copyright in its design - see http://www.crossguard.info/topics/it-and-the-internet/protecting-websites-databases-and-business-software.html

Anyone copying this is then guilty of copyright infringement - we have already been successful for one client in having a clone of his website shut down.

[Frenchiexno1]

yes but how much would it cost to close a clone down - a lot of sites have very little funding in there first few days and couldnt afford litigaion, this means a new site, clever idea, is easily copied...

Am I over complicating this?

[creospace]

And which alleged clone might you be referring to?

If you referring to that clone I think it's poor show to discuss it on here! Seeing as they may or may not be member as well ;)

Gary (allegedly)

[VeryMark]

Yes, it's not a good idea to be to specific in public.

Please call me if you need any particular info or help and I'll be happy to advise.

[DarrenC]

To be honest, your site is just a copy of the milliondollar page - yes in a slightly different format, you are selling advertising space in the form of pixels, i.e. maps.

But to answer your question, yes cloning is a definate no no, and theres not alot you can do other than shut down a site by writing to the hosting company - the chance of getting compensation is probably very low considering its probably some kid in a bedroom.

[mattk]

But what is a clone? Milliondollarhomepage is just a massive collection of banner ads, displayed in a slightly different way and promoted VERY well.

All these other sites, buy a link, buy a tag, buy a country - are all just a variation on a theme.

[VeryMark]

Copright is what it says on the tin, i.e. if you've copied someone else's original design, in other words taken the benefit of their skill and labour, then you've infringed.