MyDiamondSparkles
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2010
- Messages
- 525
I hardly ever cry, but today I sobbed---uncontrollably sobbed. 
I could use your advice and maybe even some legal thoughts on what my options are.
I spent over a year designing my new website. I hired three graphic artists as well as one of the best web designers in the country. It was important to me to get it right, choose the right colors, send the right message and for the flow from adding items to your shopping cart to the check out page to be a smooth transition. I polled customers on what they wanted, I did in depth studies as to what colors evoked what feelings. We had over 265 (Yes, two hundred and sixty five!) variations on how the front page would be layed out---yes, I was that picky. I know some people thought I was being way too picky, but I poured my entire heart and soul into this website because it was important to me to have something totally different than my competitors. The website cost around $25-30k to build--which is unheard of in my industry. Most people only spend max $3k and that is deemed a lot.
My new website opened about a year ago and I LOVE it. I am thrilled with the way it turned out and so glad I put the extra time into it.
Today one of my competitors announced that she was having a Grande Opening of her newly redesigned website. To my total shock her web designer copied my website almost VERBATIM. Basically the exact same design with a different color and a few minor changes.
This design is mine and I don't want anyone else to use it or even part of it. What can I do? What should I do? What would an attorney tell me to do?
As a side note: If you've never had the opportunity to build a website I imagine this might be a lot like hiring an architect to build you dream home and then supervising the entire build from the ground up. Then the neighbor across the street hires his own architect and builds the exact same house.
I could use your advice and maybe even some legal thoughts on what my options are.
I spent over a year designing my new website. I hired three graphic artists as well as one of the best web designers in the country. It was important to me to get it right, choose the right colors, send the right message and for the flow from adding items to your shopping cart to the check out page to be a smooth transition. I polled customers on what they wanted, I did in depth studies as to what colors evoked what feelings. We had over 265 (Yes, two hundred and sixty five!) variations on how the front page would be layed out---yes, I was that picky. I know some people thought I was being way too picky, but I poured my entire heart and soul into this website because it was important to me to have something totally different than my competitors. The website cost around $25-30k to build--which is unheard of in my industry. Most people only spend max $3k and that is deemed a lot.
My new website opened about a year ago and I LOVE it. I am thrilled with the way it turned out and so glad I put the extra time into it.
Today one of my competitors announced that she was having a Grande Opening of her newly redesigned website. To my total shock her web designer copied my website almost VERBATIM. Basically the exact same design with a different color and a few minor changes.
This design is mine and I don't want anyone else to use it or even part of it. What can I do? What should I do? What would an attorney tell me to do?
As a side note: If you've never had the opportunity to build a website I imagine this might be a lot like hiring an architect to build you dream home and then supervising the entire build from the ground up. Then the neighbor across the street hires his own architect and builds the exact same house.
We're heading to another Dr on Friday and hoping for some good news. It makes the website issue not seem so important as it did. Nothing like the health of your child to put the right perspective on life. 
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