I always had problems dealing with my content being stolen online. It did not matter if it was a blog post, image, graphic design, or another type of content I created. Sometimes people are so “inspired” that they take everything, even with my brand still visible, and share it as their own.
What do you do?
If you are a creator too, this will save you a lot of time and energy.
The first couple of times, you’ll get really mad. You will send emails to them and notify Google about copywriting infringement. You know, all the “good and fun” stuff. Hell, maybe even sue if the odds are with you and you have a chance to be accounted for, and win (I did).
But after a while, you just have to face it. It doesn’t matter how much you know about copyright laws, how much you protect your creation, or how many tricks you have left in the hat. It is something that you can’t control, and you realize that protecting your creation takes a lot more energy than creating the actual piece. It’s madness!
👉So the only solution is this:
Always create new content and be better every time. This is the only action that is worth taking. The only thing that will separate you from them!
Every time you get angry at someone who has stolen your content, try to remember that after your creation is released to the public, it’s not yours anymore. It becomes part of the culture.
This idea is best illustrated in the MC Escher documentary “Journey to Infinity,” which I urge you to watch to better understand the concept.
I hope this helps.
Good luck!