Rip of a Comp

[renaissance]

Last year I did a site for a client (Shakti Designs). I presented her with two comp images for the look and feel. She chose one, but I added the other to my portfolio as well...

Well, her site was recently redesigned and what do you know...the designer ripped my design for the comp she didn't choose.

My design comp: http://eclecticsoul.com/folio/details.php?image_id=60
The Ripped Site: http://www.shakti-designs.com/news/index.shtml

Not only did they rip my comp, they used several pages from the old site, which I designed.

[kvack]

what was your contract - post a copy if you have one...

[Samuel]

He would need a contractor's liscense to "Sign" a contract.

[kvack]

I am also confused by what you mean as "Comp".

If it was a competition, what were the rules of entry?

[renaissance]

Sorry for the confusion. Depending on the proposal, I usually provide clients with 2-3 design layouts showing the look and feel of my ideas for their site design. A lot of different terms are used for these "look and feel" layouts. I use Comp. Sorry, I wasn't referring to a competition. This was for a paying client of mine.

As far as the proposal that the client agreed to, my terms were:

OWNERSHIP OF ARTWORK
Until full payment has been made, <my name> retains ownership of all original artwork or parts contained therein, whether preliminary or final. Upon full payment, the client shall obtain ownership of the final artwork to use and distribute as they see fit. <my name> retains the right to use the completed project and any preliminary designs for the purpose of design competitions, future publications on design, educational purposes, marketing materials, and portfolio. Where applicable the client will be given any necessary credit for usage of the project elements.


This only applies to artwork she accepts. The design that was ripped is one that she rejected, although several elements from the accepted design were used in her "new" site.

[kvack]

get the legal team onto it then.

[aenigma]

kvack: comp = comprehensives (loose or tight mockups of final presentation)

looks like your best course of action is the legal team.

[Veritas]

really suks that that happened but I agree with above...

[nomiphoto]

I donno I'm wondering if its worth all the legal hassle or you should just go over and give a piece of your mind to your ex-client....I would go square it off with the client... But you do have a concerned issue here:)