Seastone by Joanna: Unauthorised Use of Copyrighted Images Solved with IP Moat
About Seastone by Joanna
Joanna Castor, the visionary behind Seastone, turned her passion for sea glass and silversmithing into a unique jewellery brand in 2017. Operating from Saltburn, near the rich shores that inspire her creations, Joanna imbued each piece of Seastone jewellery with a personal touch, making every item a distinct treasure. The brand quickly became known for its commitment to quality and originality, resonating with customers seeking authentic, handmade jewellery.
The Challenges
Despite its growing popularity, Seastone by Joanna soon encountered the harsh realities of digital commerce:
- Unauthorised Use of Copyrighted Images: Seastone's bespoke designs and carefully curated images were illicitly copied and used by others, diluting the brand's uniqueness and deceiving customers.
- Lack of Effective Action: Joanna's attempts to combat these infringements through official channels often went unheeded, leaving the problem unchecked.
- Overwhelmed by the Scale of Infringement: The magnitude of counterfeit listings far exceeded Joanna's capacity to address them individually, casting a shadow over her business's future.
Joanna's frustration was palpable: "I'd supposedly protected myself the best way a small business can, and even with all that, I was told there's not much that can be done without sacrificing the business because it would cost so much.”
Hear more from Joanna in her BBC radio interview on BBC sounds.
The Turning Point: IP Moat's Intervention
IP Moat emerged as a beacon of hope for Seastone by Joanna, offering a sophisticated yet user-friendly solution for combating IP infringement. By leveraging AI technology, IP Moat efficiently identified and flagged counterfeit listings across 18 major online marketplaces and websites, streamlining the process of infringement management.
The Process
IP Moat's methodology is elegantly simple yet profoundly effective:
- Detect: The AI-based tools meticulously scan the internet for counterfeit versions of Seastone's products, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Approve: Joanna retained full control over the process, with the ability to review and select infringing listings for action, ensuring that only unauthorised uses were targeted.
- Remove: With just a few clicks, Joanna could initiate the removal of infringing listings, dramatically reducing the time and effort required to protect her IP.
Immediate Impact
The collaboration between Seastone by Joanna and IP Moat yielded tangible results within a mere 20 days:
- Marketplaces Monitored: A total of 18 marketplaces were scrutinised, uncovering and addressing infringing listings.
- Brand Reputation: The removal of counterfeit listings helped restore Seastone's brand identity and alleviated customer confusion and disappointment.
- Efficiency in Enforcement: The efficiency of takedowns improved significantly, providing a faster and more reliable solution for Joanna.
Joanna's Testimony
The ordeal began when Joanna discovered her copyrighted designs and images being misappropriated on an array of online platforms. This infringement quickly spread, engulfing major marketplaces and social media, overwhelming Joanna's capacity to respond. Despite her relentless efforts, the scale of the issue seemed insurmountable, threatening to extinguish her entrepreneurial spirit.
However, the narrative began to shift with IP Moat's intervention. "Since working with IP Moat, we have almost entirely removed all infringements on Amazon, eBay, and Onbuy," Joanna recounts. The platform's intuitive design and the expertise of the IP Moat team transformed what was once a Herculean task into a manageable routine, significantly curtailing the influx of counterfeit listings.
Joanna's alliance with IP Moat rekindled her hope and dedication to her craft. She lauds the platform's ease of use and the profound impact it has had on her business, allowing her to reclaim her nights and focus on her passion rather than battling infringement. The support and understanding provided by the IP Moat team were instrumental in navigating the complexities of IP protection, offering not just a service but a partnership grounded in shared values and objectives.
A Beacon for Creative Enterprises
The story of Seastone by Joanna is a testament to the resilience of small businesses in the face of adversity and the transformative power of innovative solutions like IP Moat. Through strategic intervention and the leveraging of AI technology, Joanna was able to safeguard her brand's identity, ensuring its continued growth and success. This case study not only highlights the challenges of online IP infringement but also showcases how, with the right tools and support, businesses can overcome these obstacles and thrive in the digital marketplace. Seastone by Joanna's journey from vulnerability to victory serves as an inspiring blueprint for creative enterprises navigating the complex waters of IP protection.
