If I enter a contest on here to create graphics for someone and don't win, but they go ahead and copy my idea for their project, is there anything I can do? I just noticed that someone I entered a Contest for a few months ago copied the idea I sent them. I didn't put a copywrite on the picture or anything though.
This is a small part of the reason I RARELY will do contests, there's really nothing you can do other than leave them a negative iTrader. Sorry.
very true.. this is the reason - I DONT participate in contests only. if the owner doesnt copy some of the participants generally copies it.. and you cant do anything about it. Some contest holders are so smart they will tell you to put watermarks and then will hire someone else to remove the watermarks at a much cheaper rate. I have seen my design being copied by many .. so I have stopped entering in contests.
you need to leave a watermark on the image.. or dont participate.. chances are if you dont win, your time will be wasted.. thats why i hate taking part in these contests..
You submitted your logo design through a time-stamped post, email or PM, correct? If the thief can't prove he owned it before that date, it would seem you have a proven case. What you can do with that proof I'll let someone else suggest. Contests are demeaning. It's as though the person holding one is saying "OK, you little designers, I want you to put your valuable time into designing me the best logo you can, and then I MIGHT pay you something, if I find it worthy." NO designer should participate in logo contests, nor work on spec.
I agree with kevydesigns. A watermark would have protected your work. However I disagree against the idea that contests are bad as suggested by kferguson and wordplay. Generally, spec work gets a bad rap in the freelance community, however when submitted correctly -- that is, in a way that protects your work from theft, it can lead to exposure and work later on in the future.
It absolutely would not have. He said they stole the idea, not the exact image he made. Most often the idea behind the design requires MUCH more skill and effort than actually creating the idea, and the idea is what's being stolen. A watermark will do nothing to stop this, there is no protection. NONE. While I agree with you on the second paragraph. The first is false. Just because they cannot PROVE that they owned the logo before the post does not prove that the poster was the original creator, and they couldn't possibly do anything with that "proof" But as for the rest, designers should always demand an up front payment, it's what I always do.
IsaaCS, you said: "While I agree with you on the second paragraph. The first is false. Just because they cannot PROVE that they owned the logo before the post does not prove that the poster was the original creator, and they couldn't possibly do anything with that "'proof'" I said "it would seem" they had proof -- meaning I don't know for certain. I don't know how the law sees this, but if in a design ownership dispute, there is only one person who can demonstrate, by time-stamp, that they possessed the disputed design first, it would SEEM they have a stronger case. However, you seem very certain that this is not the case, and I'm not clear on how you reached this certainty. Are you a lawyer, or do you have a reference to a similar case to this? This is not asked sarcastically -- I'm seriously inquiring.
I can see how this is a difficult situation. I have personally held many contests on this site for logo work and never have stolen ideas. I have purchased many logos, but in one of my contests, I remarked how I likes a particular logo and then after that many entries started to look like that one. It was sad how some designers can copy someone's idea just to make a buck. I think if you don't have the talent to come up with a creative idea, then you shouldn't be designing logos. That being said, design is a difficult thing to purchase. I have to LOVE someone. I hire a designer because I don't have the skill to create things that many of you designers make. I, however, feel that I have good taste. In many of my contests I have seen some HORRIBLE entries. This is why I hold a contest. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings by saying their logo stinks... I just don't buy it from them, you know? I hold a contest so I am guaranteed a really nice logo... because I can pick the best one. That way I don't have to worry about hiring a designer that has to edit and re-edit a logo until I can at least tolerate it. It's really a double edged sword.
melbel, I don't blame a person for holding logo contests. If you can get a group of designers to scurry around like mice looking for a possible crumb, while you ultimately benefit from it, go for it. I do, however, think it's pathetic that designers participate in them.
Many of the contests end up without choosing a winner ,clearly showing that the OP is trying to gather ideas to make his own logo . No copyright = easy copy.
I would like to offer the other side of the story. I am looking for a full time web designer and I have been watching the contests to see who is producing quality work. You are displaying your skills and your ability to read a potential long term clients mind. When you wow someone with your work It separates you from the pack. Nothing is more frustrating then knowing what you want to see and having a hired designer miss the mark by a mile. You are only building your portfolio and increasing your visibility to your market. Don,t look at contests with a scarcity mindset. Look at them as an opportunity to impress, dazzle and suck your audience into your world. Copiers and rip off artists will always be at the bottom of the pile. I hope to find my designer on a DP contest
Best advice. When entering a contest, make sure you enter the ones you confident you will win. Once the contest is over, delete your picture, or once CH views and chooses not to use remove the picture. However prior to this, place a water mark over the logo or banner, so that is copying comes into play people will know who it is. There are alot of "aware" designers on dp, so if anyone is copying or trying to copy from another site, you will get caught 80% of the time. Hope this helps EvoD
PTexplosion, you didn't mention this, but I'm going to guess you're also looking for a good price. Because most professional designers, who get paid decently for their hard work and talent, wouldn't be caught dead entering a logo contest. I'm guessing this because if you were only interested in quality, there are many, many good, professional designers online with excellent portfolios, that you don't have to search through contests to see their work.
Ah yes but I just like every other surveyor of the market am seeking a balance between quality and price and I can tell you first hand, price has NOTHING to do with quality