Dragon lady "innovates"
- By: Marketing Guy [privmsg - website] On 2nd Oct 2006 In
Found via Swindon Advertiser.
TV DRAGON Rachel Elnaugh is facing a public bust-up after being accused of launching a "rip-off" version of a successful website.
The 41-year-old - who quit the BBC's Dragons' Den when her own company collapsed - now faces a possible court battle over breach of copyright.
She was hoping to launch an online web-based directory in Swindon. Internet business directory www.thebestof.co.uk says a rival website, backed by Elnaugh, has copied 71 of its concepts, ideas and catchphrases.
Included in the duplication are areas like the general look and layout of the site, huge elements of sales copy (now changed), pricing structure (which was originally identical, but has since been changed) and various other elements.
Even with my own modest portfolio of sites, I've experienced random people ripping off my ideas (usually to their demise! ;)) so I'm sure plenty of folks here have come across this kind of thing as well.
As much as it does piss me off (and it's gotta be a harder pill to swallow when a prominent businesswoman is the one copying you), I do find that I get just a tad more motivated to "win".
But what I really have trouble understanding is why the hell people bother? I mean, it clearly isn't a sound business move to base a substantial investment and resources on an idea nicked from someone else. We're not talking about 20 page sites that can be replicated within a day by one guy in his bedroom but something that requires substantial development and marketing to succeed.
But we see this every day in the SEO industry. People think "ooh that works" and then they copy it and spend some time scratching their heads as to why it isn't working for them.
That's just business though.
Hm
Yet another affliate directory.
I see far to many of thease types at business startup shows all ready.
But we see this every day
And then the fun when those with little idea of the net try to jump on board. :)
just take a look at any freelance board
All the freelance sites carry dozens of requests to clone succesful sites.
The Sue Grabbit & Runne Law Firm
Simple answer is 'sue the bastards'.
I've done it a few times now and succeeded each time using a conditional fee agreement.
Totally risk free.
Just wish a few more complainers would actually try because its not that tricky.
A couple of years ago more than half my income was made out of legal actions for original content theft.
If more people went to law, especially if its in your own backyard, the problem would subside.
Perhaps you'd care
to explain the process in more detail? I'm sure many afflicted members here (and others) would like to know at least about the basic mechanics, esp. those not located in jurisdictions subscribing to Anglo-Saxon law.
Not expecting binding legal counsel here, of course, just the fundamentals and possibly some tips re issues to avoid.
Sue them for what exactly.
Sue them for what exactly. It's nothing new what they have created, in fact it is likely that they robbed many of the ideas from others, as directories of businesses are nowt new.