When it came to selling my pattern, I did contemplate this decision for quite a while before taking the plunge. I know that once a pattern is out there, especially on the interweb, you do lose some control. I think we've all noticed that there are bunch of kiddy pattern sellers on Etsy that seem to sell the same patterns....
* I really need to add here that it took me over a year to fine-tune my bonnet pattern. I drew it from scratch! I tested and tested and sized and modified and tested and tested some more. It took me a lot of time and energy to make it and I knew it was unique and awesome from the outset. I truly understand the value of creative work even more since developing this pattern.
Anywho, recently I thought I'd have a look-see through Etsy to see what other bonnet patterns were available and I was shocked to find a pattern remarkably similar to mine. Same shape, same sizes and almost the same words to describe it. Worse yet, they were charging 50c more than me and they were offering a licence to sell the end product! (I don't currently offer this licence, but seriously, I can't stop you! Thanks again to those asking for permission to resell their end products - only the end produce, not the pattern!)
At first I didn't know what to do. Then I spoke to my sister and to Rachel (who's blogging again by the way, check it out here - she has the biggest Colette collection of any person I know and will surely share more soon). My sister bought the pattern from this seller and I can't tell you how shocked I was when I realised that my pattern had simply been traced, scanned and was being resold by someone else!
I was so shocked, and quite overwhelmed with my upcoming prac block, that I just decided to deal with it later.
Weeks passed. On one of my last nights prior to finishing prac, I may have had a wine or two (Dutch courage) and decided to tackle the problem by emailing the seller... Stressful!!
Thankfully her response came within a few days. She admitted that even though she'd undergone a lengthy design process for her pattern (yeah right!), she admitted it was very similar to mine (read: fully ripped off!) She admitted she had my pattern and her pattern didn't differ enough to sell it and she has since pulled the item from her shop.
I once used to work in the copyright business, the music industry to be exact which dealt with music licensing, artist copyright and other issues, and I don't think I fully understood how it might feel for an artist to have their work ripped off until this.
If you want to support my hobby, you can buy your bonnet or pattern here :) Seriously peeps - buy up! Make me happy :)
Happy sewing!
wow! I just can't begin to imagine what you went through! First congrats for emailing the other seller and confronting her on this issue. She obviously copied your patter otherwise would not have taken it off her shop. I can't believe creative people out there want to steal other people's ideas...it really drives me crazy. I challenged a friend who wanted to copy someone elses designs....and she didn't really appreicate me challenging her, but for me, it was important to stand up and make her realise it's all the behind the scenes work (like you mentioned) that is the real difficult bit...you just can't copy it...so well done!
ReplyDeleteHappy selling too xx
well they say that imitation is the highest form of flattery but to completely rip it off is a bit tough.
ReplyDeleteSorry these people have taken advantage of what you have worked hard to do.
I guess that sad thing is this is just Etsy, there could be many more doing the same thing on private websites/ mde it and markets
From a fellow Fashion Designer and Pattern Drafter *I feel your pain*. I'm pleased you were able to resolve this issue without nastiness - good on you for standing up for yourself.
ReplyDeleteThat's is very poor and it's sad that you have to be diligent in your detective work to even see these vendors. The Selfish Seamstress had a really good post on this and covered some of the legalities because her free dress pattern was being sold too :(
ReplyDeleteI'm glad they pulled their design.
Oh honey - hugs, that is just terrible and plain horrible and rude. Some people just dont get it and see it as a money earner for themselves.
ReplyDeleteHow violating! Outrageous - but unfortunately all too common. I too have seen many rip offs of great ideas (yours included). Really does make you think..........
ReplyDeleteThis is a very poignant subject for me as I have been dragging the chain for a very loooong while getting my act together to sell my art satchels (and the pattern) on etsy. I really know in my heart of hearts its because I will loose ownership of the idea/product(right or wrong) once I put it 'out there'.
Hopefully this will be your one and only battle of this kind.
How dodgy. I'm sorry that happened. Your bonnet pattern is awesome, I've made about ten now! (As gifts, I don't sell anything). I've also recommended it a few times to people. I hope it doesn't happen again to you. It;s hard to know how it might be able to be monitored better...
ReplyDeleteit makes me so sad to see this happening. i don't understand why a person would intentionally rip someone else off like that. i am so glad you emailed her and that she removed it. what a bummer.
ReplyDeleteI'm shocked at how brazen some people are! I hope it doesn't happen again... but good on you for contacting the person directly and making them justify their behaviour.
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