Monday, December 17, 2007

Copyright infringement anyone?

I was willing to let it slide for a while with this particular copycat artist, and her various interpretations of my work, until I saw these listed for sale in her shop tonight:

Time to call my lawyer.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

RIGHT ON MARGAUX.
TOTAL UNEXCEPTIBLE!

happyduck1979 said...

but, but... she came up with exactly the same thing, by co-incidence... >:/

Grrrrr... yes I have heard imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, but that is just wrong!

Pirate Alice said...

that totally sucks man. It's one thing to copy a knitted pattern, a whole other thing to copy something as original and artistic as what you do. I hope you bring her down!

Catherine Chandler said...

Damn right it's time to call your lawyer! I haven't seen those same exact earrings in your work, but just look at the image in your heading and Bang! oooh I'd be so mad. You go girl...get your sketches and dated materials out and get that copy cat!

Catherine Chandler said...

btw that whole "imitation is the highest form of flattery" quote that we all hear is complete BS. People need to come up with their own designs or get out of town.

Steph said...

it's very poor quality imitation anyhow ... still not acceptable ...

Anonymous said...

jeez. and that's not even the one i found. good luck!

Anonymous said...

To be completely honest. If I had even half the talent to do what you do I won't lie and say I wouldn't attempt it. Of course it's a completely different story when you talk about trying to sell them. Especially knowing artist I took the idea from would find out.
And most likely the only reason I would attempt to "copy" would be to avoid the price tag you have on the items. I'm not saying that the price isn't worth it, but I simply don't have the means to spend over $50 on any piece of jewelry.

I don't agree that it's wrong for someone to copy what you do, but I do agree it's wrong for them to try to sell them without contacting you first.

L said...

it's still lame to copy someone else's work..whether the copied work is going for sale or not.

Anonymous said...

Margaux,

I wish you the best of luck with your case. Your creativity gives you legal rights, and I admire you for enforcing them.

You have friends at the Copyright Alliance.

Patrick Ross
Executive Director

Anonymous said...

Margaux,
I support you in your case! I know another jewelry designer who tried to sue for lose of income due to copyright infringement, but was not successful. However, I think your case is much stronger. I've heard the "knock-off" piece must be at least 10% different. At the least, you should be able to demand a "cease and desist."

Good Luck!

harryboy said...

Margaux, last night I received an email concerning my work looking similar to yours. I was not familiar with your work until now. I have pulled items from my site that appear similar, and apologize for any hurt and confusion I have caused you and your fans. There was no intent on my part to copy your work. Please feel free to contact me at gjarvis01@comcast.net. Geri

The Noisy Plume said...

Aww crap.

A friend sent me a link to this little post of yours and I feel your pain sister. I've got a copycat of my own who makes me want to barf in my Frye Boots...which I wouldn't do for just ANYONE. Barfing in the Frye Boots is brought on by only the most thievingest ratfinks who are ethically unsound and creatively unoriginal. In every way.

Stink.
Stank.
Stunk.