What methods are folks using these days to deter newbies from theiving their sites?

I find it disturbing that people could so easily nab our entire sites content (although it's public information). I have no problem if someone uses the site as a tool to learn and develop their own services, I do think the copy/paste approach is rather bold and unacceptable.

There's really not much you can do, if anything. Those that put a lot of effort into protecting their content are only making it difficult and annoying for visitors that aren't out to steal content.

1. Extremely horrid design that no one would even want to look at, much less steal.
2. Disgruntled badgers.
3. Disgruntled Lawyers.

Even those won't keep someone from snagging stuff. You're pretty much stuck with hunting them down and sending nice little notes from your legal entities.

I suppose that it is "public" information. Just a little frustrated since we work hard to give a different "feeling" to our visitors.

It's more likely, that a company or individual that has to use others content isn't planning in a sound manner anyway. They'll soon be returning to the work-place.

Originally, the culprit had our entire site content, graphics and even mission statements on their site. I sent an appropriate email that we have noticed, cc'd legal@inet7.com and today, only the source code remains to reflect "inet7" all over within.

Looking within other posts here, it seems quite a common issue. We also notice various c:\windows\desktop\etc etc referenced in our HumanClick windows.

It's a tough call, but text is cheap. I don't see the point in making a fuss over people copying it. Those that swipe graphics really tick me off, but there still isn't much you can do. What I try to do, (when I think about it) is put a name or copyright notice somewhere on key parts of the layout. This way, they're most likely to ruin the design in trying to change it. Most people that take graphics don't have the skill to do that anyway. That idea might not work for many sites, but it's effective when used right.

I've seen several sites out there that deny the use of the right mouse button. I'm sure this isn't 100% fool proof but by adding the right code (I don't have it off hand) you can have a box appear telling the visitor, nicely, that the information on that page is copyrighted. Or, if not copyrighted, then just say that right-click is disabled.

Hi,

Disabling the 'right click' is only a temp measure. I wont name them here (I'm sure most realise the names) but lots of software is available to directly download sites - replicating them on your own system.
Obvously the 'determined' will always 'steal' if they want to.

I have occasionaly come across a site that included a script or effect that left my jaw open.... But have always emailed the owner asking if they would share there knowledge, even though I could have simply looked at the source code. Why? two reasons mainly -
1. I think people should be told that visitors like their work - theres to much 'muck' throwing.
2. Honesty is the best policy, I haven't come across any yet who wouldn't share their knowledge - so why steal?

Regards
Eladesor

Just a thought...

In many cases once you've finished a site design for a client then you pass any copyright of graphics, etc... on to that company. From that point on, it becomes their fight and their problem to do what they feel is appropriate.

Granted it's a pain in the proverbial tush if you see someone passing off your stuff as their work but if someone else owns it, you need to let your client know what's happened and let them deal with it as they see fit...

... of course this doesn't deal with the times they copy the work that you own but it does help you prioritise and pick your battles better.

Here endeth the lesson for today :)

Originally posted by WebSnail.net
Just a thought...

In many cases once you've finished a site design for a client then you pass any copyright of graphics, etc... on to that company. From that point on, it becomes their fight and their problem to do what they feel is appropriate.

Most designers I know retain copyright on their work (done for clients). I'd think it would be rare (and somewhat expensive) to sell these rights to the client. Maybe not rare (not the right word), but you know what I mean.

Chicken's right. Paying for a site isn't the same as paying for copyright. If that were the case someone could order a site, then resell it to a dozen other people. If requested many designers may sell the copyright to their work, but it will usually incur an extra fee (if they do it at all).

Copyright is retained by the designer (whether it be a graphic artist, musician, or writer). In regard to web design all three types of design might be used.

At the end of the day it's generally not an issue if everyone is playing fair. The designer, unless told otherwise, will assume it's a one site design, for the client (or subcontracted through another company), and that they are going to be paid for that work. Copyright tends to only rear it's head when

a) the designer is a clown and rips off other peoples work
b) the client decided they really like the site but can't seem to find their wallet

Greg Moore

No right click disabling! I'll say it a million times if I have to, don't do it! It's worthless and annoying.

Couldn't agree more. I right-click and open a new window all the time when I'm looking around the net and if I get that disabled it puts me in a mood.

Greg Moore

Yes, I can't stand the right-click disabling either. Once I even went to a site that popped up a warning message once when you right clicked, and then browser bombed the second time you tried. Ridiculous really.

In IE, you can get around it by holding down the left mouse button and then right clicking. That worked in IE 5.0, I've since upgraded to 6.0 but haven't come across such a site to test it yet.

Does anyone place comments in their graphics so that they can identify if someone has stolen them? Does that work? Just a thought, and it obviously wouldn't stop them, just help you catch them afterwards.

I took dated screen captures of my sites I have done and put them in a folder tucked away. When I find some one who steals my stuff I take more screen captures of their site and send them to him/her and advise to remove site. If they do not I look for forums that pertain to their site and post these images of stealing all over the place.

I don't know, but it seems to work.

Originally posted by Chicken


Most designers I know retain copyright on their work (done for clients). I'd think it would be rare (and somewhat expensive) to sell these rights to the client. Maybe not rare (not the right word), but you know what I mean.
Hmm, I guess I was looking at it more from a graphics point of view.

A lot of the time, the work I do tends in that respect tends to be adapting their existing image (logos, colours, etc...) and making that fit the site style. That said I hadn't thought the whole thing through. We're talking more than graphics here what with coding, etc... So yeah, on reflection I guess you still have a lot of your own proprietry "stuff" to keep an eye on.

Bearing all that in mind I guess having the client on board to tackle a copyright infringement in cases where their own content is being "ripped" is worth considering. Two heads being better than one and all that.

As far as graphics go, you can always place a digital watermark in your finished work. I know Photoshop has this ability, and I am sure there are other software programs that can do this.

I wonder if you can search google or such for your watermark? That would be interesting!

As for your code however, I don't think it is really possible without making it difficult for the end user. You could put a ton of "white space" in your code, making it appear that it is empty.

Disable right click? That only stops the people on Microsoft platforms. Kinda pointless if it isn't fool proof.

sPoT!

When ever we create a site for a customer, regardless of how ‘big’ or ‘small’ before it’s uploaded, we create a copy (usually CD) place it an envelope, seal it up and write the date of postage, date of site creation and customers name on the reverse. Cover it with cello tape to prevent alteration and then mail it to ourselves via recorded delivery.
When it arrives, we never open it, simply storing it away for future reference – should we need it.

Whilst this never prevents anyone from downloading the site via the net, should someone do so or indeed the client sell / claim copyright. If need be, we would simply present the unopened package to Judge (for him / her to open).

Whilst we have never had to resort to attending a court, all of our customers are made aware of our practice. If we found that someone had stolen one of our / clients designs via the net, we would then write / email advising them of our policy and intended action if they failed to remove it

regards
Eladesor.

Although I don't have one, I suppose it would be a good idea to have a standard Cease and Desist letter ready to go, should anyone decide to borrow your stuff.

It can be strongly worded enough to scare the shorts off most of the younger thieves :D

sPoT!

Their response to my original request to "remove" our content was favorable.

I simply said that use of our site's copy-righted material was prohibited and they should remove the content immediately. Then I CC'd legal@inet7.com and the next day, viola.

(although the source code has inet7 referenced all over in it)

Thanks for the ideas folks, I've found that a simple email that "we've noticed" works well, and lets me focus back on my business in the shortest period of time.

Glad to hear it worked out fine. :) It's always a great way to ruin your day to see someone using something they shouldn't. At least this guy has some sense to take it down.

Greg Moore

I try to avoid conflict where possible. Somethings are worth getting upset about (my initial reaction to the situation) and easily defeated once you have time to cool down.

Don't get me wrong. I don't "bend like a reed in the wind", I simply take the shortest route to the end result.