dst1
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posted on October 5, 2003 04:51:03 PM new
I've been notified by another seller that someone has stolen my pictures.
This all started when the seller used my description and product idea. Originally, she/he changed the wording around. I just let it go believing that there's nothing much I could do about the situation. Technically, there's no rule against using similar descriptions. Well, now this person is using my pictures in several of his/her auctions. I am aware that this problem can be reported to Ebay.
Now, my question...
What would you do if you were in my shoes?
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Libra63
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posted on October 5, 2003 05:50:13 PM new
Ebay notice-------
Item description and Picture Theft..What is it and how to report it.
http://pages.ebay.com/help/community/png-text-and-images.html
This is the url to eBays policies on picture theft and description. Write the person that has stolen your pictures the URL. Tell him to remove all the images he has copied or you will turn them into eBay. But you can also just report it to eBay and if you can prove to them that those are your pictures and description then they will end his auction. Do you have proof that the pictures he is using you have used in a previous auction? If you are writing to eBay tell them that and give auction numbers.
Good Luck
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dst1
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posted on October 5, 2003 06:35:20 PM new
Thanks for your reply. I definately have proof because my merchandise is customized.
There's no way this person created the same exact items. Right now, I've counted 7 auctions with my pictures. They have over 600 auctions/store items up.
After careful thought, I decided to report them to Ebay. If this person is dishonest enough to copy my pictures and descriptions, what else are they capable of? If I notify them directly, they have my e-mail address. I'm not sure what type of person I'm dealing with. I do know that they have a positive feedback rating of over 3,000. I believe a notification from Ebay is just what the doctor ordered.
Thanks for the advice regarding my previous auctions, I didn't even think to include them in my complaint. I'll wait to hear from them and have the auction numbers available if they request the numbers.
I received a notice from Ebay stating that it would take approximately 36 hours to investigate the matter. I'll keep you updated on the outcome.
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davebraun
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posted on October 5, 2003 08:12:38 PM new
If they copied your pictures and descriptions they already have your email address as well as all information which can be gathered from the public areas of eBay.
The way to get someone to stop is to communicate that to them directly by mail or email if you do not have their mailing address. The letter is called a cease and desist notice. It is a preliminary step in the legal process required to stop someone from using your copyrighted material, trademarks etc.
Republican, the other white meat!
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neroter12
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posted on October 5, 2003 08:29:21 PM new
yeah, I was going ask that too, if you've thought of emailing the seller?
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dst1
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posted on October 6, 2003 06:18:11 AM new
After reading your post, I received a reply from Ebay. They suggested that I contact the seller directly. I did just that and will wait to hear or see what the seller decides what to do. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for your opinions.
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Libra63
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posted on October 6, 2003 08:15:56 AM new
What! Ebay suggested YOU contact the seller. Isn't that their job. I have never heard of that. If you proved your case eBay should close them down unless this person is a powerseller and eBay doesn't want to lose the money. I would write them again and explain that you think they should do something as long as they have a policy. Keep us posted.
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dst1
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posted on October 6, 2003 10:32:36 AM new
As mentioned earlier, I did not supply them with my auciton numbers yet.
Here's the exact response from Ebay...
Thank you for taking the time to alert us to these listings.....
We want to help you, but in order to do so we need the item number of a
listing that you posted on eBay demonstrating the seller copied your
image(s) or description(s). Please send us the requested information by
replying to this message.
If you haven't already contacted the seller that you're reporting, we
encourage you to do so before responding to this email. We have found
that many people are unaware that using images or text that they have
found on eBay or other sites on the Internet is against eBay policy.
Many of them will change their listings when contacted by the owner of
the material.
Please feel free to refer the other seller to eBay's policy page at:
http://pages.ebay.com/help/community/png-text-and-images.html
It is my pleasure to assist you. Thank you for choosing eBay.
Regards,
Seymour
eBay Community Watch
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cta
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posted on October 6, 2003 12:49:09 PM new
Another thing you could think about (if your photo software will allow it) is to add your eBay user name right up next to the item so it can't be simply copied without your name in it, kinda like this:
Of course they could copy it and simply use an erase feature if they have the right software, but that's almost too much work for them so maybe they won't bother to copy your photo.
One thing you can do to prevent them from actually cutting and pasting your description is to add the following right-click disable script. Of course, that doesn't mean they can't just retype your exact wording, but I'll bet they are just too lazy sometimes to take the time to retype anything. But I really get ticked off when I've busted my brain trying to think of my exact creative wording just to have some lazy seller copy it verbatim.
Here's the script to disable the cut and paste feature:
<script language=JavaScript>
<!--
//right click script - no warning -
var message="";
///////////////////////////////////
function clickIE() {if (document.all) {(message);return false;}}
function clickNS(e) {if
(document.layers||(document.getElementById&&!document.all)) {
if (e.which==2||e.which==3) {(message);return false;}}}
if (document.layers)
{document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);document.onmousedown=clickNS;}
else{document.onmouseup=clickNS;document.oncontextmenu=clickIE;}
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("return false"
// -->
</script>
Note: The winking smiley face should simply be a quote mark and a right parenthesis mark like this " ) - without the space in between the marks, but this picked it up as a smiley.
[ edited by cta on Oct 6, 2003 12:57 PM ]
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horsey88
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posted on October 6, 2003 01:30:14 PM new
Dst1..That's an autoresponse from Ebay to allow the auction time to run to completion. They do make fees even if it's your description.
My prediction is that the seller will tell you to take a hike.
I just bypass the abuse and request they stop the auction ASAP which is usally 2 to 3 days if at all.
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stonecold613
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posted on October 6, 2003 02:28:32 PM new
Of course they could copy it and simply use an erase feature if they have the right software, but that's almost too much work for them so maybe they won't bother to copy your photo.
This took 1 minute and 39 seconds.
Putting your id in your photos simply don't work. And for all of the effert you put into customizing them, it don't seen worth the trouble.
In your case what I would do is to check the properties of the photo of the seller that stole it. If it is your url, then change the photo so some porn. Be sure to change the photo url to your own auctions. Then use a different id and bid on his item, then retract it right away. What this will do is cause his auction to be un-reviseable. Unless he cancels the auction, that picture will be there until the auction closes.
Good luck
[ edited by stonecold613 on Oct 6, 2003 02:29 PM ]
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meffle
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posted on October 6, 2003 06:24:52 PM new
Hi,
Saw this message and thought I'd let you know. We announced just this morning the ability to add a watermark text or logo to all your images to prevent this type of situation. There is always a balance between protection and image legibility, but we can emboss on the fly any text or graphic as a nice compromise. Here's this image:
Not sure how long it would take stonecold613 to unwind this protection . . ..
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dst1
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posted on October 6, 2003 07:11:20 PM new
Thanks for all the great comments!!
cta, I thought about the using the suggested code, but thought it my slow down the loading of my page. If this continues, I may take you up on your advise. I knew the code was out there, but have not had a chance to look for it.
horsey88, I believe you're right. One of the auctions ends in 3 days. If I don't hear from them tomorrow morning, I'll just go on and continue the process. I have all my information together (my auctions vs. his/her auctions, times, dates etc.)
stonecold613, how I wish they did have enough nerve to use my url. I checked, they've copied it and changed the name of the photo. I remember reading hilarious stories on this board regarding stolen pictures. I remember one person stated that they put "I support Saddam" on their photo. Others did used porn.
Thanks meffle, I think I'll try the watermark for future photos. It appears this person has copied most of my photos, but the watermark will prevent others from doing the same thing.
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dejapooh
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posted on October 6, 2003 09:38:57 PM new
My favorite picture to use was one of my cat walking away from the camera, tail up... Caption "Free Fed Ex if winning bid is more then $5"
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. B. Franklin
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stonecold613
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posted on October 6, 2003 09:39:20 PM new
Hi CS,
The new watermark will be a tough one to copy and edit on items that have many colors like the vase. On items with less detail will be quite simple. In most cases I would suspect that the detail may make some picture thiefs. This took me about 10 minutes to get it to the point where I would consider using it.
I would say that it is a good start.
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meffle
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posted on October 6, 2003 09:50:30 PM new
stonecold613,
Dang, that's some good work. Color me very impressed. I don't think I could do that in 10 minutes, but I don't have the same tools and knowledge you do.
As with pretty much anything digital, one can only do so much to prevent individuals prone to theft (ahem, RIAA). In some ways, Image Watermarking is perhaps similar to "The Club." Having one on your car (image) may make thieves avoid yours and swipe the one down the street. Of course, in this case, we hope they spend the 10 minutes (or likely more for a mere mortal) taking their OWN PICTURE instead of manipulating yours to remove the watermark! And the Watermark can also help present and build your brand online.
Anyway, again, impressive. Take care.
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stonecold613
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posted on October 6, 2003 10:01:55 PM new
Sad thing is that I am not that computer literate either. I am not the person to ask what to do if your computer were to crash. I pretty much do auctions and that is about it. I hate to think what someone that is computer literate could do.
And good reference about the club. That happens to be right down my alley being in the automotive industry all of my life. What thieves do to get around the club is to cut the steering wheel in two and remove the club from the cut part of the steering wheel. It takes about 30 seconds to do on most cars.
[ edited by stonecold613 on Oct 6, 2003 10:09 PM ]
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AuctionAce
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posted on October 7, 2003 12:21:17 AM new
The Club is a joke as all steering wheels are made of a hard plastic that cuts easily. 
-------------- sig file ----------- *There is no conclusive evidence that life is serious*
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dst1
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posted on October 9, 2003 06:23:34 AM new
Just an update...
6 of the 7 auctions were removed. This person actually sold one item (the 7th auction) and Ebay stated that there was not a reference to the sold item.
Now, this person has 5 more of my pictures. I've already filed a report.
[ edited by dst1 on Oct 9, 2003 06:24 AM ]
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Libra63
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posted on October 9, 2003 11:19:56 AM new
Good for you. When someone takes the time and trouble to get good images and/or descriptions that is what sells the auctions. It's to bad then someone comes along and steals them so that they don't have to do the work. Seems wrong to me. I had that happen and the person said to me I didn't want to take my camera out and take the pictures so I am using yours. Wrong. He was upset to say the least and also said it wans't against eBays rules. I sent him the URL and within 15 minutes my pictures were removed. Just bookmark that URL for future use....
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