Stolen HTML Template

Hey everyone, I just stumbled upon one of my HTML templates that was ripped off. What the individual did, was just copy the source code from the live demo and put it on their server. I wanted to know how you all handle this type of thing. I already reported it to support and they brushed it off and told me they wont help me get it remedied.

Do you all have any tips on how I can prevent this and how I should go about getting it taken down?

Thanks!

Send a ticket to support mate, you can’t post this here.

Did you read my entry? I already did send a support ticket and they said they can’t help.

Support are not interested in these circumstances – I’ve tried to make this clear on other forum topics – I’m not sure authors are aware of this fact but you own the copyright and therefore you are responsible.

You can start by sending them an email saying you own the copyright and request nicely in the email that they simply remove it and the matter will be forgotten. If not legal action will be taken against them by first contacting their host (just look up the domains host via google) and also find a free form online to send a cease and desist letter to the hosting company who will immediately shut them down (MOST hosting companies take immediate action so they are not held responsible and don’t have to get wrapped up in legal stuff).

Here is a starting point for you:

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/22256920/a-sample-Cease-and-Desist-Letter-to-webmaster

Good luck!

There is nothing you can do about piracy. It’s a fact of life.

If Adobe or Microsoft can’t protect against piracy, you sure can’t.

That being said, I’m sorry to hear your theme was ripped.

Myows has worked for me a number of times already…

Hi Chris,

I am sorry to hear that your files are being pirated. However in a situation like this there isn’t actually anything we can do, because we dont hold the copyright to the assets, you do. As jonathan01 has said, most places will remove any illegal content on receipt of some legal documentation, a DMCA will usually do the trick. To mirror what luckykind has said, you should consider using a service such as Myows, getting a record of what your work is and when you made it is very important for these issues, even more so when you trade in digital goods.

Well , isn’t it time that one would make a usefull guide for this? How to prevent and how to take down ripped off sites? Would be very usefull.

I have already reported a couple of sites that give a way download of stolen site, but Envato as a couple of other themplate sites can do much about this.