Forum Moderators: not2easy
How do I perserve the evidence of the theft? I am concerned that the theft could be covered up if I don't get a copy of the theif's site. Is there a way that would hold up in court to record the site's code?
Thanks for any help.
Here are a couple of recent threads:
[webmasterworld.com...]
[webmasterworld.com...]
Keep in mind is that it is unlikely that this will go to court. Site rip-off artists usually move onto other pastures when their action is discovered and their web host is contacted. Nevertheless, having your documentation in order is always a good thing.
One way to look at what a site looked like in the past is the Wayback Machine at alexa.com. Good luck!
Also the company that did the stealing is a major US Corporation not a fly by night individual so I really want to do the right thing.
As my original post asked I am only interested in ways to perserve the evidence of the copyright violation.
Thanks.
They always are about 1/2 a year "late" though.
Laurenz
markass11
I'd contact your web host and find out for which dates they have backup tapes. File creation date information, even if from a current backup, might also be helpful.
If there is value in this content, I'd certainly involve a lawyer, as there are probably ways to handle and document this evidence that will maintain its admissability and credibility.
It seems hard to believe that a major corporation would pull something like this, although I've seen SEOs working on corporate accounts do some marginal stuff that their client probably knew nothing about. Once you have your dates and evidence lined up, I'd contact the company, probably through your lawyer. Lay out the details, and you could find the problem vanishing very quickly.
The last thing a major company wants to do is blatantly rip off a small business. It's bad PR, and their deep pockets make them vulnerable to a jury that sympathizes with the little guy. Be sure your lawyer puts plenty of words about damages in the initial contact - direct, consequential, punitive. Maybe even throw in a mention of RICO. I bet they'll fix the problem quickly.
I am in the business of generating sales leads. (I sold out long ago from art) :)
Again Thanks.
Did they take word-for-word content? Or did they launch a site with the same niche product as you? Did they replicate your UI exactly, or does it just look kind of similar?
There are lots of shades of grey when it comes to "stolen" sites. I've had every one of the above things happen to me - and depending on which thing is happening, you'll want to take different action.
Here is the real kick in the butt... they left my email address on the front page but in white text... Literally it has my finger prints all over it. It's an exact copy. :(
(stolen web site makes me sad)
Then call your lawyer. :)
Good luck.
