There is a domain/site in complete violation of my commercial license agreement. They are running a copy of my script and they have removed the "Developed by" link without my permission. I have contacted the site owner to try and resolve this issue and he refuses to put my copyright back in the footer. He says that since he has purchased the script and that since it is not freeware, that he can do anything he likes. What are my options here?
Don't take my advice unless someone else agrees with me, me being an amateur. So my guess is as good as yours. But, because he obtained the script illegally he doesn't have rights to it. Similar to buying a stolen car. Just tell him what I just said and if he still doesn't do anything then you could possibly press charges.
I assume you have a 'non removal' clause in your purchase agreement but it would still be hard to enforce. I suspect you don't want to spend more than the purchase price in legal fees or costs in chasing him. Your no cost options include public shame & publicity, and contacting his host, registrar, and revenue sources (affiliates, Adsense...). You may not get anywhere but it could be worth a shot.
So basically, I can just go around and buy scripts and claim them as my own? Granted the effort involved to POLICE this activity is huge, but if everyone who buys the script removes the copyright, than what is the point in having copyrights?
unless he’s not making good money, then there is no point in doing anything ... and with regard to copyright .... Its far more in-depth than what you actually think … Have you patented your work??
Have you written "removing footer links are ot allowed" in script copyright content ?If yes then show him and if you have copyright of that content simply contact GOOGLE ADSENSE they will atleast remove his Adsense a/c
Him making money is not the issue here. There is a webmaster religion, I guess that is what you can call it? I do understand the basics of copyright, but you must understand that there is a difference between copyright, patent and trademarking. I am simply asking for... Give credit where credit is do!
I understand what you mean. But then you could just ask him nicely, "Would you please just add "Made by ----" (or whatever it is) or I'll have to take action (whatever kind you decide- don't know if it's worth it).
The craziest thing just happened. The individual I am speaking of has PMed me, stating that he would put my link back in the script. This is a good thing. Him removing my link does him no justice, but my link being there... equals potential customers. Bear in mind, that this link is what helps to develop a strong community of success.
Thanks for all the support thus far. The truth will be told when I see my link has been put back in place.
If he refuses to put your link back, contact their hosting provider, state your reasons, that should shut him down.
things like this going on here on DP all the time. kids selling badly mangled scripts which they had a hard time to just get the copyright-footer removed... on notice they keep insisting it´s their work, but even a blind can see. examples: http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=852295 http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=861089 http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=772912 http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=818057