When Big Companies Steal From Hand-Crafters

I just read about an etsy artist who's designs (pictured below) were stolen from Urban Outfitters.  Tru-Che came up with a line of pendants she called "World/United States of Love."  You can see some items from that line in her shop below.  Urban Outfitters decided these were nifty, and started selling ones like it...without any permission or payment to her.

Designs by Tru-Che on Etsy

Treasury tool by StylishHome.

Now, I realize that a heart on a state may not be copyrightable design.  It's basic enough that many people could think of it, and state outlines are of course public domain.  Tons of other shops on Etsy have similar designs.  BUT, they not only stole the idea they actually stole the item name and some of her copy (the text that she wrote about her products).  THAT makes it clear that they  took it from her.  And this isn't even the only Etsy artist they have stolen from.  They are a large company which has enough revenue to pay artists for their ideas...if they wanted to use not just her designs but her copy/line name too, they should have compensated her.  


This is just one of a number of instances in the last few years I've come across of big, well established companies ripping off independent artists.  Urban Outfitters at least did take the item off their site after she complained. 

This is Wherever Wednesday

Welcome to This is Wherever Wednesday!   At Wherever Wednesday we share those little moments that really show the character of the places we live.  Those times that just make you think "This is Texas"  (or California, Virginia, or Paris, Namibia or WHEREVER.)


As always, I want to share a few of the highlights from last month.   Well, actually, I'm gonna share all three posts because I liked them all!  

• Babushka's Baile took us on a stroll through Wakulla County, Florida.
• Enchanted Seashells took us on a hike through Crystal Cove State park in Orange County, CA.  
• Saving U Green took us on a tour of Cameron Park Zoo in my own Waco, TX!

Please leave your "This is Wherever" posts on the linky below (whether your wherever is "New Mexico, Puerto Rico, Berlin, or Indonesia").    If you're still a little uncertain what that means, this post over at Budget Blond will help you out.  And, though it's not required, I'd love if you would grab the This is Wherever button on the sidebar and share it in your post or somewhere else on your blog!  Thanks for participating!