How we protect our files

We search for our files on a weekly basis to see if they are being offered for sale. We scout for websites and marketplaces such as Etsy and eBay.

We are able to recognise our files and as such can take appropriate action. We will always notify the infringing party first and allow them up to 48 hours to remove our files. Failure to do so will have us escalate the matter by either going for a DMCA takedown or going directly to the copyright enforcement teams of said platforms and/or hosting provider. If we have to escalate, we will always push for a full website/account removal. 

Proof-of-ownership 

(i.e: the original photographs of the traced parts with included META-data which will show the earliest recorded date that these templates have been created) will only be sent to the platform’s copyright infringement moderation team and not to the infringing party as these can be used in nefarious ways by said party. Since the infringing party will not be able to provide proof, the platform in question will take down your listings and/or full account when possible. 

We only resort to using the DMCA or copyright moderation teams when the infringing party refuses to remove our products on their own accord. So far we have a near 100% success rate in getting our property removed and/or the seller’s account/website taken down. 

DMCA

We use the services of the DMCA to take down products and/or websites if our files are being distributed/sold outside of marketplaces. 

False claims

Making false claims and/or accusations should be prevented at all costs. Since it can sometimes be difficult to recognise a template because it has been distorted or purposely covered up to prevent recognition, in rare cases, a listing and/or product might be incorrectly flagged. In such cases, we always recommend that you provide this proof to the copyright infringement team that is currently handling the copyright infringement notice, and not directly to us, as that is not ours to view and/or have possession of. We also recommend never to post and/or show the original photographs of the traced parts to prevent others from using those images and claiming that they are the legit creators of that template.

We try to be as honest and transparent as possible and we are always open to resolve any issues.

It’s important to note that, even if the template only has a couple of our parts in it for sale, we will still make the copyright infringement claim, regardless of the percentage of the template that is not our property.

Other

If someone offers you template files which you are allowed to resell according to that party, always ask for proof-of-ownership as mentioned above. If the seller is not able or willing to provide you with these photographs (they’d have to be the original, unaltered photographs of the traced parts with included META-Data), we recommend that you do not purchase that product, as it’s likely an ill-gotten template. Not being able to show proof-of-ownership/creation opens you up to copyright claims that will be hard to defend.