Hello. I need some advice. I have a small store on Etsy selling digitized embroidery designs. Recently, someone purchased 2 of my designs, and then went and listed them for sale in her Etsy store. I politely asked her to take them down immediately. She refused and dared me to try and prove the designs are mine. I can prove it. I have the original design file, piles of test stitch-outs and not to mention my files were listed on Etsy first. I don't know what to do. I looked into contacting Etsy and it's as if they expect me to be a lawyer. Is there anyone who has had first hand experience with this situation that can point me in the right direction? TIA.
I think there may be different laws regarding copyright in different countries. From what you are saying here though you need to contact etsy as soon as you can to inform them. If you have your concerns in writing via email it can only help your case. A lawyer in your area specialising in copyright laws would be the next best person to contact.
Good luck and I hope you can get it resolved quickly without too much cost to you in lost income, fees etc
Have you any identifying mark in the design. I use my initials in the underlay when possible.
May I wish you every success in your endeavours to take this person down!
Are you allowed to say who this is so no one on Cute at least will not buy from that site...just a suggestion, but I know this could be a tricky issue.
Definitely keep viewing her shop in case she does it again.