I know that many of you fret about posting your content online. That you sit at your computer looking at something you just created and feel torn. On one hand, you are so excited to share this with the world. On the other hand, you worry what will happen once you hit upload. This fear, debate, and fret arise because of copycats. That group of people who:
- don’t value other’s creations enough to respect them
- want to make a quick buck, not create something themselves
- don’t understand the line between inspiration and plagiarism
Believe me, I know that this threat is real and valid. It’s a debate I’ve had with myself before and it’s something I’ve helped many creatives deal with while wearing my lawyer hat.
Above my desk, I’ve got this Seth Godin quote:
You have brilliance in you, your contribution is valuable, and the art you create is precious. Only you can do, and you must.
This quote soothes me in so many moments on the roller coaster of entrepreneurship. It makes me feel better when I’m struggling with the impostor complex, feeling alone, and afraid to act because I know that someone else can easily replicate the idea.
But it breaks my heart when creatives hold back their best work because they fear copycats. Because I know that we are only harming our creative endeavors and ourselves. And as a result, the copycats win.
And there are things you can do to stop the copycats.
What’s the smartest action to take when a copycat strikes?
Learn to confidently assess when going after your copycat is worth the mental, emotional, and financial investment…and which action gives you the best chance of success!
Get access to a workshop, template, and resource bundle designed to help you start taking the smartest action today.
Depending on the situation you might send a DMCA takedown notice or have your lawyer send them a letter. Or you might send an email yourself or pick up the phone and have a conversation with them.
Yes, the copycats are going to steal. But our ideal clients and customers can smell those copycats a mile away. They love what we create because of the personality, story, and emotion that we infuse into each piece. They are buying from us because we’ve created a brand that they love, feel good about supporting, and feel proud to be associated with.
Our ideal clients and customers can smell those copycats a mile away.
Do you still have questions?
No shame in that! One of the perks of membership in the artist’s Courtyard is a 24/7 private online community to ask your questions and get my answer (and insights from other creatives). Already a member? Ask your question! Not a member yet? Join us inside the artist’s Courtyard for $45/month!
Hi! I’m Kiff! I’m your friendly legal eagle (and licensed attorney).
My goal is to add ease to the legalese. And because I think basic legal resources should be available to every creative, I create a lot of free content.
If I’ve created something that has helped inject a little ease into your creative business and you would like to say “thank you”, you can make a contribution here.
If you’d like to hear more from me, I’d love to pop into your inbox every Friday morning to share additional ways to cut through the red tape and inject a little ease.
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