I never intended for my product title or pictures to be copied and used by other sellers! Years ago, when I was still selling on Ebay, I started adding a business card to my pictures in order to "trademark" them, as I started seeing other sellers using my images. That pretty much put an end to image thieving, but I found that my auction titles were being copied, word for word in many cases and it irritated me enough to report the listings under Ebay's seller intellectual property violation policy. They usually did nothing about it, but I'd take the time to do it anyway.
I've been off Ebay for over 6 months and guess what: it's still happening! This seller has copied a number of my product titles, word for word! What amuses me is that this seller has included my internal used part inventory number (circled in red), as if it is part of the Homelite numbering system! The seller would probably remove the inventory number if I contacted them about it, but now I find it very amusing and I know who's been visiting my site from Ebay. I knew that putting the IPL's and service memo's out there would bring Ebay sellers here that were looking for information about their parts.
I've been off Ebay for over 6 months and guess what: it's still happening! This seller has copied a number of my product titles, word for word! What amuses me is that this seller has included my internal used part inventory number (circled in red), as if it is part of the Homelite numbering system! The seller would probably remove the inventory number if I contacted them about it, but now I find it very amusing and I know who's been visiting my site from Ebay. I knew that putting the IPL's and service memo's out there would bring Ebay sellers here that were looking for information about their parts.
One instance that I did contact a seller though was over an XL-12 handle bracket. The image was "found" on a Google search, but it has my business card clearly visible in the photo!
Would you advertise your item with another business's information clearly visible??? I know I wouldn't! When I contacted the seller, here's the response I received: Actually im not breaking any laws. The picture was on goggle with means free to the public. You dont have any copy right. Out of respect i am changing it. The image was removed and I researched the subject a bit and discovered that he was not correct. Just because it's on Google, doesn't make it part of the public domain.
I guess when it comes to copying information from this site, I'll take it as a compliment to the information that has been compiled here, as long as it isn't too blatant or for profit.!
I guess when it comes to copying information from this site, I'll take it as a compliment to the information that has been compiled here, as long as it isn't too blatant or for profit.!
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