Ask HN: A Bolivian TV station stole my web app. What should I do?

4 pointsby dolphensteinabout 12 years ago

I just gave my lil' moustache app a bit of a facelift and then decided to see (via google) what was happening in the world of online moustache apps. I then came across this site: http://www.reduno.com.bo/bigote/Pretty much a complete rip off of my facetache.com! (Their copy is based on an earlier version. http://20.facetache.appspot.com)I'm somewhat miffed at the whole thing. Partially amused and partially a bit cranky at their audacity.Anyways HN, what would your response be?

2 comments

mouserootabout 12 years ago

send em an email you could either get credit or they could completely ignore you the only difference is the color scheme and thier logo

lutuspabout 12 years ago

> Anyways HN, what would your response be?Unfortunately I don't know anything about Bolivian copyright law. Under U.S. rules, you might have a good chance to argue that it's not a derivative or satirical work, it's a straight-up copy and therefore not a protected use -- you might have the right to compensation.But in the international playing field, this is not so clear. Prosecuting such a case would be expensive.The other post in this discussion suggests asking for a note of credit on the copied page. Under the circumstances, that's not a bad idea.