Topshop ripoff update & interesting findings!
So I think today I finally get why Twitter is so important! Thanks to everyone who re-tweeted our little story and I feel like we are not quite so helpless anymore!
I called Topshop head office (owned by Arcadia Group) The marketing departments response was that it wasn’t their problem because they don’t design the jewellery and that a company called “Freedom Jewellery” designs it for them. Freedom Jewellery are owned by www.dckconcessions.com. When I called they were all in meetings (typical) so I didn’t get anywhere there except to send my email to the girl who answered the phone who assured me that it would be forwarded to the appropriate person. No response except to confirm they had received it.
I called Topshop again and finally got the name of someone in their legal department. She didn’t seem surprised and even said “oh we have had problems with this one before…” then said “oh no, that’s right, it was a tshirt with a castle design on it similar to this style” She asked me to forward through details of the design and my original pencil drawings (doubt they have pencil drawings of ANYTHING). She asked me to forward through details via email and this morning I had an auto response email saying “The email has been blocked by our automated filtering systems as it appears to contain content that does not comply with Arcadia’s email policy.” So not even sure if she received the email or what is going on.
Regardless of who produced the design I really I think it’s Topshop who have the explaining to do, even if they hide behind this maze of companies and alias’ and phone switchboards and they claim to have no idea it was a copy and the fact that they just buy from this other company it really annoying! I have a strange feeling that this is how they get away with it and can claim it isn’t theirs, because they get another company to rip it off for them and then they only sell it – but if it’s exclusively in Topshop (and no other stores) Isn’t that the same as Topshop ripping it off themselves?
Interesting that the brooch is now out of stock too? We ordered one yesterday and got an email today saying that “due to popular demand it’s out of stock” Why is it still on the site then and is it still in the stores?? If anyone has seen one can they let us know? or better still take a photo!
If you want to leave dck concessions a message about who much you hate ripoffs (and they have done it before see below) you can do so here – obviously it wont stop them but will be nice to let them know we are all watching them? www.dckconcessions.com/dck_contact.php and most of all keep an eye on their site and anything that looks like a ripoff let the original designer know.
I just found out one really interesting thing about this that makes a lot of sense now! It’s happened before in Australia with DIVA the worst jewellery chain store there is and guess what, they are owned by the same company that make the Topshop stuff! I’ve already boycotted Diva from the beginning but hopefully more and more people keep boycotting chain stores such as Diva – See the blog post here from last year from shanalogic.com I’m not sure of their outcome but there is also a Facebook group they have created here.
Fiona says:
and just so you know, I’ve started a forum on Etsy about this. Here’s the link:
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6402849
Sadly, all this is not new. Let us know how we can help.
Fiona says:
Looks like you have friends there – one girl suggested that you start up a Paypal account so we can chip for legal fees to help you fight this!
curlypops says:
Well done for sticking up for yourself. I found you via Betty Jo yesterday. I can’t believe how they blatantly just ripped off your original design like that.
I’m really hoping that ‘out of stock’ means ‘intentionally pulled off the shelves’.
lyndsay says:
Well that didn’t last very long did it Fiona! Maybe Etsy is becoming on of those horrible corporate companies as well! That’s a shame – Thanks for the help :)
all five horizons says:
I have just sent a message through their contact form asking for their comment. Will be surprised if I hear anything but if I do, I will of course let you know.
Flora says:
Good luck on a positive outcome with this – it’s completely outrageous (though like you say, nothing new!)
If it’s any consolation, it’s probably won you a whole new flock of admirers – the power of the Tweet!
Kendra says:
I was appalled to read your post yesterday about the Topshop ripoff. I stumbled upon your site ages ago, and re-found it recently as I was cleaning out my bookmarks. I love all the work that you do! And kudos for sticking up for yourself. So many people would usually just let this slide by. Write those letters! Make those phone calls! Don’t let the haze of bureaucratic technology throw you off the trail.
jessi says:
i can’t believe how often this stuff is happening. it is so horrible, especially for the artists that are trying to make a living from their OWN art!! Indi all the way!
GOOD LUCK
x
Angela says:
Stupid evil money making big companies with their cheap rip offs! I wrote to them saying I would make sure everyone I knew would NEVER buy anything from them and how criminal they are.
Keep hassling them and don’t give up, they will purposely try and make you jump through hoops with receptionists, emails and directing you to different people.
Lucy says:
I stumbled across your site by accident yesterday and totally adore it; but was shocked when I read about this as I almost purchased the Topshop version a couple of weeks ago here in the UK. So glad I didn’t! Can’t believe they have done it, and so obviously as well! Your stuff is way better :) xxx
Malinda says:
If you attached the image files – that may have been what caused the email to bounce. Try sending again with links ot the images on your servers. A lot of big corporations either strip the attachments or just flat out bounce.
milly and pip says:
I think you should keep persuing this and not let them get away with it. Legally you can caim all the money that they have taken on the copied item. I used to work in retail design & it is the responsibility of both the manufacturer and the shop to ensure that their designs are original. You should pursue Top Shop and not the manufacturer (it is Top Shops responsibilty to speak to their supplier, not yours)and keep at it, you will eventually get to speak to the right person. Top Shop will have a legal department specifically for this, ask to be put through to them. A tip is that if your case is strong enough they will want to settle out of court, so do not be frightened if they threaten court, it very rarely comes to that. Hope that helps and good luck.