I am a web designer and I did the work several months ago for a pet walking business wanting to franchise their business. They started working with a franchising expert who brought me on board as the web and graphic designer. After months of working on their project, the owner of the pet walking business pulled out of the deal leaving the franchising expert and myself at a loose end. I was assured by the pet walking business that they would not use any of the designs I created for them. Initially they didn't, but I have since discovered that they are using the web page designs and the logo that I designed on their website which has been live now for over a month. During this month, I have had some advice from a solicitor. He advised I write to the pet walking business asking them to either pay me my fee or take the website down, which I have done. They have done neither of these.

 

I then contacted their hosting company and reported the pet walking business and their website. I sent the hosting company the original design work and the emails that prove the pet walking company are using my designs illegally. Unfortunately the hosting company will not suspend their site. I don't understand why they are not suspending their site as the solicitor said that they should. I cannot afford to actually have the solicitor act on my behalf so I do realise there is a limited amount of what I can do to re-coup my loss. I would, however, like to do whatever I can to get their site taken offline. I have reported the pet walking business to Trading Standards and also to the Office of Fair Trading but they both say they do not advise on trading disputes. Is there anything else I can do (without paying a solicitor £100 plus vat per hour) to get their site taken down? I am considering taking out a CCJ but have never done this before and not sure if it is worth it.

 

Sorry for the lengthy thread, it would be easier to use names and site URL, but I don't know if that is allowed on here. If any one has any advice, i would appreciate it. Thanks. I would be happy to post the pet walking website URL etc., as well. Thank you.

Hi Jo,

 

Are you a member of any professional body or organisation? If so, you might well have some form of legal advice available through them?

Persistence. Don't get angry, don't send nasty emails (remain polite).

 

Bombard them with letters, phone calls and emails.

Hi Jo,

 

Are you a member of any professional body or organisation? If so, you might well have some form of legal advice available through them?

 

Yes thanks, I've contacted the business link and am waiting to hear back. Not a member of anything else I'm afraid.

You should be able to get your solicitor to send out a warning letter (C&D). It's a one-off cost (amount varies) and basically says "I represent <your name> and we have evidence that you're using their copyrighted designs without payment. I advise you to take down the site blah blah or my client will sue your ass for lots of money."

 

That does the trick a lot of the time without you actually taking them to court. Even if they did ignore the letter, you don't have to sue them and all you've lost is whatever the solicitor charged for it.

Agh this sucks. I hate late/non-payers. Some people seem to think because our work is not tangible, then its ok.

 

Anway try this

http://www.thomashiggins.com/

 

I have never used them, I have only heard about their services. Send them the details of your debtor, and for £2 they send them a "letter before action"

 

Again: not a recommendation simply a suggestion, i have no idea who/what they are, i have never used them myself!!!