help!
my pins have been copied.
Don't worry, we've got your back.
where to report
Here are some handy reporting links for most major online retailers & social media:
Alibaba / Aliexpress / Taobao
Amazon
Big Cartel
DHgate
eBay
Etsy
Facebook
Instagram
Kickstarter
Pinterest
Poshmark
Redbubble
Shopify
Society6
Squarespace
Storenvy
Tictail
Twitter
VK
Wish
reporting infringement
Each website has slightly different requirements, but in general you'll need:
- URL of your original design
- URL of the alleged counterfeit
- Proof of publication
- Your copyright registration number (if applicable)
- A DMCA takedown notice
AliExpress
The reporting process for Alibaba, AliExpress, TaoBao, and 1688 is a little more complicated.
However, once you have created an account in their IP protection platform, it is quick & easy to report counterfeits.
Click here for instructions.
what else can I do?
Report, report, report! And then do these things.
design tips
Ultimately, anything you publish online is at risk of being copied. However, there are a few best practices you can follow to reduce the risk:
- Avoid sharing pre-production line art or graphics
- Opt for a back stamp with your logo on each pin
- Make sure your manufacturer knows that they do not have permission to share photos of your pins & reuse molds
tell your customers
Your customers and social media followers are your biggest advocates, so tell them how art theft affects you! Encourage them to keep an eye out and spread the word.
Consider adding a counterfeit reporting form to your website. You can even offer a % discount for reporting counterfeits.
tell your stockists
Stockists aren't always aware of this issue. Like us, they're usually small businesses doing their best. Let's help them out! Tell them about pintheft.com and remind them not to buy from websites that commonly sell counterfeits. (AliExpress and Wish in particular.)
Vet stockists before wholesaling or consigning with them, and refuse to work with anyone who sells counterfeits.
check your sources
Although most counterfeits are not produced by the same factory that made the originals, always vet manufacturers before using them. Here are a few things to check:
- Are they selling counterfeits?
- Are they using pin artists' images to advertise?
- Does someone you know recommend them?
- Are they a middleman or a factory? If middleman, how long have they been working with their supplier?
- Are they claiming to be made in the USA?*
- Do they have certifications? (Disney, Sedex, etc)
- Do they provide inspection reports?
*There are very few pin factories in the US, UK, or Canada. Hard enamel pins are not produced in these countries at all. If the price per pin is under $8, it's probably not made in the USA.
register copyrights
Depending on where you live, it may be useful to register copyrights for your designs. Under most copyright laws, you own your copyright as soon as you create a work.
However, officially registering it can mean additional legal protection. It also makes it easier to fight infringement and submit takedowns.
you're not alone.
Check out all these artists fighting the good fight!
Shop Art Theft
This blog documents cases of alleged art theft by major retailers, for the purpose of educating customers and supporting the original artists.
Pinfringement
These 11 artists are defending their work from corporate art theft. Check out the website and follow the artists on Instagram for updates!