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Copyright Infringement or Bullying?

novembernovember subscriber Posts: 1
I received an email from a competitor claiming that I was infringing upon their copyright for their webpage. They used a program called COPYSCAPE to research similar wording as theirs in webpages.  When I checked the wording with Copyscape, my website came up along with several others. This person has threatened to pursue this in court if I don`t remedy the phrases.  They also accused me of plagerism.  The infringement as they outlined to me was over my use of the words and phrases as follows: 
"All items will be shipped within 24 to 72 hours of payment."
"All information you provide will be kept strictly confidential."
Mind you, these are just a couple of phrases sited in a long list of common business terms on my site.  Can anyone claim ownership to copyright and exclusive rights to these commonly used phrases? I would appreciate any input, especially from a copyright lawyer or someone experienced in this matter.  Thank you.

Comments

  • WCRTPSSWCRTPSS subscriber Posts: 0
    Yeah-- and right after they sue you, they`re going to have to go after everyone on eBay.  They don`t have a copyright on this, they`ve simply chosen to harass you.  They`re nuts. 
    If someone did this to me, my response would be `bring it on`.  I would then proceed to `out` them for their antics, publicly embarassing them for this nonsense.WCRTPSS2006-8-29 22:56:55
  • WCRTPSSWCRTPSS subscriber Posts: 0
    Get a good lawyer, let them take you to court, counter sue them for defimation and don`t settle out of court. Let the judge come up with fare compensation with consideration for the business lost because of your time pursuing the case. As your competitor, it will make them look bad and also give your company free press. More hassle than its worth, but it would teach them a lesson and also, some states now have frivolous lawsuit guidelines and after they finish paying all of the fees, they may end up suing themselves right out of business.
    Get revenge like Frank Sinatra said:  The best revenge is MASSIVE SUCCESS.  Put them out of business.
    Whatever you choose to do- don`t play with them.  If you`re going to take them to court-- take them down.  Like you say-- don`t settle.
  • WCRTPSSWCRTPSS subscriber Posts: 0
    By the way, to the OP- you have no obligation whatsoever to respond to an e-mail.  I`m not an attorney either, but my best legal advice to you at this point is don`t acknowledge this, and whatever you do DO NOT REPLY -- especially via e-mail.  Do NOT do ANYTHING to create a communication trail that in any way acknowledges this ever took place.
    Personally, I`d leave the ball in their court.  Do nothing. Say nothing.  Move on.
  • NuevolutionNuevolution subscriber Posts: 30 Bronze Level Member

    By the way, to the OP- you have no obligation whatsoever to respond to an e-mail.  I`m not an attorney either, but my best legal advice to you at this point is don`t acknowledge this, and whatever you do DO NOT REPLY -- especially via e-mail.  Do NOT do ANYTHING to create a communication trail that in any way acknowledges this ever took place.
    Personally, I`d leave the ball in their court.  Do nothing. Say nothing.  Move on. Exactly,Don`t do nothing. Just mind your business and when they call you just hang up. Don`t comfront them or argue. Simply, say I have to go or something.. I see that almost on every site "Will ship within 24 to 72 hour" If they want to prove that in court... Good luck, they have to show copyright and trademark documentation. If there are other parts of your web site that look similar to theirs do your homework and research how many people use the same phrases on their web sites.. and if they take you to court show the judge that you have researched this and that its not proprietary to them, but that its found in the public domain... being on the Internet is a public domain. Finally, counter sue..
  • novembernovember subscriber Posts: 1
    I appreciate and want to thank you all for your comments and opinions. I will check back to see if there are further notes. You all have confirmed my assesment.
    Regards,
    Mark
  • inetjasoninetjason subscriber Posts: 1
    Mark,
    I`m curious, what is your website address?
    Regards,
    Jason
  • abraxasabraxas subscriber Posts: 1

    I appreciate and want to thank you all for your comments and opinions. I will check back to see if there are further notes. You all have confirmed my assesment.
    Regards,
    Mark

    I live in California and found the following link reassuring for a situation I may have coming up;
    http://vote96.ss.ca.gov/bp/207text.htm</A>
    Looks like you`ve run in to a bully.abraxas2006-8-31 6:34:12
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