[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The comment’s server IP (174.132.149.34) doesn’t match the comment’s URL host IP (174.132.149.61) and so is spam.

[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The comment’s server IP (209.68.2.92) doesn’t match the comment’s URL host IP (216.92.118.247) and so is spam.

Its only error is naming Clever Zebra ironically in this regard.;(

c3

[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The comment’s server IP (213.251.189.204) doesn’t match the comment’s URL host IP (213.186.33.19) and so is spam.

But really, all the other guy has to do is change the product a bit, so that he's not making a copy of your product and distributing it for his own gain, but is "inspired" by yours. And there's nothing wrong with that — everybody is inspired by somebody. This of high-end fashion designers whose dresses costs thousands of dollars each — there are often cheap knocks-offs on the streets in days. Would you rather own the original or a cheap knockoff? Sure, some people would pick the cheap knockoff no matter how much money they had, because they were cheap. Some people would prefer the expensive dress, even if they really couldn't afford it. Most people are in the middle. They're your target market — folks who want to own the quality original and are able to pay for it.

The otherside of the copyright issue is the trademark issue. How do people know that they've purchased your original creation, and not the knock-off? Because of your brand-name label. If someone copies your label, that's an immediate trademark violation, and you need to go after them with full force — otherwise, the value of your trademark is diluted.

And trademarks DO need to get registered, and every country has a special trademark office for that.

You don't need a lawyer — just $275 to $325 — and you can file your trademark application here: http://www.uspto.gov/go/tac/doc/basic/howtofile.h…

If you can't afford to register a trademark, pick one that does double-duty. For example, if you pick a trademark that has your web address right in it, few people are going to try to argue that it's a generic name. Also, even if someone does copy your product, during the time it takes you to hunt him down and shut him down, you'll be at least getting some advertising out of it. And you'll never have to worry about proving the trademark is yours — it points right to your website.

[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The comment’s server IP (66.135.48.147) doesn’t match the comment’s URL host IP (76.74.254.123) and so is spam.

Great article…very informative, thank you!

I think it's important to mention another way to protect your copyright online without going through the lengthy and expensive process of filing an application with your copyright office. http://www.digiprove.com is a website that provides an online service with which you can prove ownership of your creations – you just have to go on to the site, register (which is quick, easy and free to start with!), and start digiproving your files. You don't have to upload files to digiprove them (Digiprove uses digital fingerprinting technology), so you can be sure of the security of the service. Above all, using digiprove works out much cheaper and is so much quicker than registering a copyright every time you create something!