Today I found out that a company from Denmark has stolen my company’s website branding identity. I know that imitation can be considered sincere flattery, but this goes too far! We’ve worked too hard on the marketing to let this just go.
My company’s site: www.resources-results.com. The stolen site: www.ipostes.com. Update Monday 11 am Eastern Standard Time: He removed the site and just has a holding page up now. See All’s Well That Ends Well
Jacob Johnsen, did you think I wouldn’t find out? ,
My first reactions: Mad. Disbelief. Feeling violated.
My next reaction: Confused. Now what should I do??
It’s early Saturday morning. I am on the other side of the world. An international legal fight is not my style. But I want to do something!! Now what?
Can you give me some direction on the best way to get my branding back? Obviously he hasn’t finished the site, but he copied my navigation and just slightly changed the titles, even down to the speaker sheet download. And he’s even taken my photos!
So far I know this:
Registrant:
Johnsen, Jacob (651552)
Hvidegaardsparken 57
Kongens Lyngby, , 2800 DK
Administrative and Technical contact:
Master, Host (HM6761)
One.com hostmaster@one.com
Kalvebod Brygge 45
Copenhagen V, 1560 DK
+45.46907100 Fax: +45.70205872
I’m reaching out to my blogging buddies — those who have helped and inspired me thru the years. Any ideas?!? Please offer advice!
Anita Campbell, Mack Collier, Sage Lewis, Mike Sansone, Ron McDaniel, Sandy Donaldson, David Airey, Veronica Noone, Tammy Lenski, Terry Starbucker, Liz Strauss, Denise Wakeman, Lorelle VanFossen.
If you are reading this and know the best approach to fix this or know someone who does, please offer advice! Thanks so much in advance.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Chris, happens to us all the time. Contact him at the email address in the whois. Explain that you want it removed.
He probably wont reply.
Wait 24 hours.
File a DMCA takedown request with Google (It’s VERY important that you do this first as Google cannot remove something from their index that’s returning a 404).
Then, 24 hours after the takedown request has been actioned with Google, file the same DMCA takedown notice to his hosting company. DMCA takedowns are taken VERY seriously by all hosts and Google.
Do not engage with the thief after this is completed.
Hope that helped!
Dave:
This helps! Thank you so much.
Chris
Wow. Just found out I am 3rd degree connected to him in Linked In. Hmm, we are the same age. He looks like a regular guy, even has 8 recommendations. Jacob Johnsen’s Linked in Profile
Hey Chris,
I don’t know the guy, but I know the host (and honestly can’t mention anything positive about them).
I’ll check LinkedIn and see of I know anyone he know (Copenhagen is a small town) – might just get lucky. I’ll keep you posted.
– Daniel Karpantschof
Thank you Daniel. I appreciate the support!
Chris
This is insane – and I’m sorry that I haven’t any helpful information for you right now. Please keep writing about this and let us know how you solved it.
Thanks Ivana. When I have an update, I’ll be sure to post it!
Chris
Chris, I’m way behind on my blog reading and only now catching up to what’s been happening for you. That totally sucks! I’m glad things got sorted out. I’ve found DMCA complaints to be incredibly useful when reason doesn’t prevail.
Someone recently said to me what Jacob said to you — “you should take it as a compliment.” My response: Imitation isn’t the sincerest form of flattery. It’s the sincerest form of slackery!
Tammy:
Thanks for your comments! It’s a real challenge to track this down, but looks like it’s all settled now.
How did your recent seminar go? Sorry I had to miss it!
Chris
Thanks for the post….this is really cool i like it so much….great job and the contents and posts on this site is really good..i love the site and way it looks.