Need some advice.

**Altimat** · 03-05-2005, 08:28 PM

This is the second time someone has ripped off one of my original grille designs. This time I have proof too. Unfortunately a simple fiberglass shape is not worthy of a patent, so it seems like nothing can be done. Anybody have any ideas for me?

Here is the grille he bought from me and copied:
http://www.activetuning.com/products...I-AL-02S2GRIL/

And here is the thread where one of my customers discovered the copy-cat grille being sold on EBay, and we uncovered who owned the associated website, found that he had purchased the grille from me to copy, etc.

http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/sho...8&page=1&pp=40

This is really frustrating as I have a few new design grilles for other vehicle close to completion. I invest a lot of time creating original designs, and it hardly seems worth the trouble knowing that some crook will just buy one of my first few products, copy it at minimal cost, and start underselling me with my very own product.

Thanks for your time.

Mike

**alti** · 03-06-2005, 02:24 AM

man that really sucks, it just goes to show the arrogance of some people. Just remeber though, it is the innovator in the end that will shine. Someone with no skill other then ripping off others work will inherrently always be behind the curve. And as soon as they open there mouth any knowledgable person will loose respect for them. It will never get them any further then 2ed place.

Keep up the good work, becuase it is hard work that leads to success and happiness.

**ChaCha** · 03-06-2005, 04:58 AM

Originally Posted by alti

Just remeber though, it is the innovator in the end that will shine.

Alti, I respectfully disagree with this comment. Unfortunately, creators are frequently screwed over by outside forces. The guy who created the TV in his barn, none of us even know his name. Corporate interests ran with it and the rest is history.

Altimat, if you want to protect your hard work and creativity, you need to find a way to legally protect those interests. Copyrights, trademarks, patents...I don't know the specifics, but exploring those options (possibly with an attorney) would definitely be worth your time. Seems that if you did hold some sort of license/patent to the design and then someone ripped it off from you, at the very least you could sue them.

Good luck and I hope you find a solution...your creative work is awesome and worthy of protection.

**alti** · 03-06-2005, 09:20 AM

There are almost always exceptions, even some people who work hard get screwed over. But the ones that do put forth that effort stand a much better chance of success then then the people ripping them off.

Perhapes you can design so kind of logo to use as a stamp to mark your designs, I believe you can copyright/protect the logo and it might help seperate the real from the fake, giving the consumer some reason to seek out the original. It might also boost recoginition of your work as unique and having orgionallity.