[Resolved] Copycat using alternative forum provide

[Shentino]

Forum URL: vald.proboards22.com

I just got wind of another site that ripped off my admin's site almost word for word. Unfortunately, nobody can file a TOS report because they're using a different forum provider.

And judging from the domain name, it seems to be hosted in the UK.

Do US style DMCA notices apply to British hosts?

I would like advice on what to tell my boss to do about this. I was thinking DMCA, but then the international factor came in.

[Craig]

First call of action would be to contact them directly, and request they change. If that fails, then contact their host.

[valderra2]

I sent Craig a PM regarding this person, but he hasn't read it yet.

To blatanly copy (even the forum and board names) is an insult - to say the least - to the person who had an original idea, and put a lot of hard work into his or her forum.

[Craig]

If it's on a differnt host, there is nothing i can personally do about it i'm afraid

[valderra2]

Mar 6, 2008 5:43:18 GMT -8 Craig said:

If it's on a differnt host, there is nothing i can personally do about it i'm afraid

That's OK. I registered on that site, and sent a violation report. I received an email back, telling me that they will tell the admin to change the forum and board names, so it won't infringe on copyright, and they will give them 7 days to do so, after which further action will be taken.

I would have preferred the forum be closed and the admin be banned. However, since it's a different forum provider, I suppose I can be glad something is done about it.

The thing is, the admin on that forum as well as another member, are both PB members, and have at one time been members on my forum as well.

All I can say is, shame on anyone who stoops so low.

[Shentino]

I'm happy to report that the board in question has been removed.

[Craig]

Nice

[Shentino]

Not much to say about their administration, the offender merely got guilty and self-destructed.