There was an issue lately about a Malaysian blogger using a Filipina (whom I happen to know as Ane) blogger’s badge in her site. It’s been the cause of some popular word war (or make it – blog war) between the two and has since attracted the attention of bloggers worldwide.
Ane claims that the badge in question is part of the blog wear or design created exclusively for the site by the designer, Lady Java, while the Malaysian blogger claims that she just borrowed it from a friend.
Copyright issues such as this is one too many in the blogosphere and the internet as a whole. I once was called a thief by using the “onclick” code in creating my Adgitize tool.
Unlike an exclusive blog design, html and programming codes are free to use worldwide and for me, the claim of owning such code (to the point of accusing someone as a thief) is preposterous and hilarious. I almost was tempted to hire technology lawyer at that time because not only was I insulted (by her saying that I cannot come up with my codes without copying hers) but my “budding career” as a blogger was negatively affected by that blogger’s accusations.
If you’re faced with issues such copyright, domain name disputes and other licensing issues (like knowing which is open-source when it comes to WordPress themes free vs. premium ones), you might want to inquire from those who understand international technology law.
Lawyers who specialize in cases related to internet issues (including international e-commerce law firms) can help you resolve your concerns legally. They usually have the knowledge, resources and expertise to handle the cases that some local lawyers might not yet fully understand (considering that issues like these might not be part of your countries local laws yet).
It’s understandable if some bloggers will not shell out expenses for legal fees because the cost might be too high for a “petty” concern but big companies and popular bloggers will be willing to hire lawyers to clean their names, uphold the terms contract or license or settle disputes related to e-commerce.
Have you been to a situation before where you wanted to hire a lawyer to settle problems caused by your online activities? What happened and what did you do to resolve the problem?
I wish I will not be in such a predicament. So, I would rather be careful in using other people’s stuff. Got to make sure that what I use won’t have any copyright issues.
that’s a horrible thing that a blogger can experience. I wish I will not experience same thing, hiring lawyer is so expensive, thus I might end up deleting my accounts.
I just heard about this badge issue though and I’d go with ane because it’s her badge designed by LJ anyway, yeah words can hurt. Very well said review She. If one side would accept the fault as not intentional and say sorry, no word war na sasabog heheh
Although I haven’t had this issue with my blog, I have when it came to pictures of my jewelry designs that I sell online at my website as have others.
As an artisan designer and part of the handmade movement, I see a lot of people who are preyed upon by large corporations who swipe their designs and product photos with no compensation. Sometimes, a friendly (or not so friendly but professional) contact requesting they cease and desist in using the pictures is enough. Sometimes threatening a lawsuit has to be a part of it.
And sometimes, there’s just nothing the “little guy” in the picture can do about it unfortunately.
I did hear of one artist whose works had been stolen and printed on t-shirts, totes and things by a major corporation who rallied her peers to write to the company and write about the issue on their blogs etc and the pressure of so many responses to the issue finally had the large company resolve the problem. Sometimes community support -does- work.
– Gilliauna
What? Even the code claim copyright?
i don’t want to be in that situation…like what chinchin said kailangan ingat
hindi rin nga ako nakapagsubmit ng entry sa other contest eh…nakakalimutan hahaha