I need cheap Lawyers advice / Letter for small business

fairy_magik

Hi guys, No idea if I am posting in the right place but really hoping someone can help me.

I have a small business but it is growing and becoming increasingly successful. I made my website on weebly using my own photos and text, photos that are personal, f myself and family or that have had permission sought from photographers etc. The other day I came across a website for a company doing the same thing, however the website was EXACTLY the same as mine, they have copied ALL 56 of my photos, text, forms, information and layout - all they have changed is the banner. I also have 40 feedback comments and they have copied them but changed the company name.

They have stupidly put their name, address and numbers down and I have contacted them asking them to remove their site which they have not! I have also contacted the photographers and told them their work is being illegally used.

I have realised this is a young boy who saw our website and quite fancied it, but he only stays 20 miles away and I want it removed! I believe a lawyers letter sent to him recorded delivery would solve this as the photos are of me, my wife, kids, family etc and its clear from dates of publication etc that our website has been copied.

I asked my lawyer for advice but she said that she does not deal with copyright law so I emailed another company who wanted £300 for 1 letter, another wanted £150 for 1 meeting and the same for a letter. I do not have a large income just now while the business is developing so would prob get legal aid but thought is a letter was cheap enough I could just pay for it and wait and see what happens - if it needs to go further then apply for legal aid!

I am in Scotland too if that makes any difference?

help - thanks

justjohn

Send a special delivery letter yourself stating breach of copyright and you will sue them for any cost/loss you may encour due to there actions.

This maybe enough to scare them.

Otherwise lawyers letter

bris

You are not going to get legal aid to sue someone for copyright.

Savvy_Sue

bris wrote: »

You are not going to get legal aid to sue someone for copyright.

He's not going to get legal aid at all for a business legal problem, is he?

Agree that the best first step is to write your own letter stating that if the site is not taken down within 7 days, the matter will be referred to your solicitor and legal action taken.

You could also ask the photographers you've used if they've ever had to take action before, if so who did they use, what did they charges etc.

heretolearn_2

How young is the boy? If under 18 a similar letter to his parents stating that as he is a minor you'll also be taking action against them might work wonders!