Currently, there is not Copyright Notice on the Floor Plans, allowing ANY agent that manages to score the listing in the future to use the images of those floor plans without paying for the services, especially when the JPGs or PDFs are uploaded into the MLS as photos for a listing.
To preserve the need & value of our services, and our market leverage, would it be possible to add a section to our iGUIDE Defaults Page for a custom Floor Plan Copyright Notice?
Thanks a buncha!
100% in agreement about this.
My current fix for this is to download the PDF, then apply a watermark, and then present the PDF.
Since I use a separate project presentation and management system, I upload the saved PDF to the project along with screenshots of the floors that also include the watermark. The client then accesses the files from that system. This way, if they upload the floor screenshots or the PDF to the MLS, there is a copyright to discourage other agents (or FSBOs) from hijacking the media and using them without paying for the service.
I no longer send the clients the iGUIDE Report specifically for this reason and just use my system to deliver their media kits.
The problem still exists because it does not prevent anyone from downloading and hijacking an unprotected PDF through the iGUIDE itself… I could disable the display of floor plans from the iGUIDE viewer, but that would dent its functionality and I’d rather see the problem fixed than do that - but I may have to if it’s ignored.
PS. I’m sorry that I can not share the project management & delivery system I use because I’m the only provider in my area that offers the features and adds to my brand leverage; I’d like to keep it that way for as long as possible, mainly because iGUIDE has begun selling cameras to agents and other people in my market.
Well said AvistaMedia, couldn’t agree more.
I’ve studied (Canadian) copyright law and have had to defend photos & plans in actual court.
Always won, as the law always backs the originator. That being said, court sucks and makes me ill.
I’ve had many situations where buyers or other realtors have used plans I’ve prepared without asking.
I’ve been measuring homes for 15+ years by BOMA, ANSI and CREA standards.
Every effort to protect our work, is a layer - but as you mentioned, never a guarantee.
In the end, if you don’t stand up for yourself & your business, who will?
That’s very interesting. In a previous lifetime I was a technology/automation consultant. I used to study scenarios like this use software to make things more intelligent, efficient and accurate. Now I’m wondering if there’s a need among iGuide operators for options like this.
In the end, if you don’t stand up for yourself & your business, who will?
Full agreement here. I’ve had to go up against copyright infringers of all sizes, from small businesses to some of Canada’s largest media companies. It’s unpleasant. It takes time, energy, resources, and good will. But you have to stand up.
Better would be for the iGuide system to help us in this regard with things like customizable copyright notices on floor plans. Let’s hope this thread catches the right attention at Planitar.
One area this would help is in Client Relationship Management.
If I have to go after someone that is using media I’ve prepared without a license, the likelihood is that there will be some butt-hurt people that could cause waves, including dumping a client overboard. If the copyright is there and is obviously tailored to your business, the likelihood of them just “winging-it” are substantially reduced.
Agreed. Avoiding problems in the first place is a better strategy than having to deal with them when they become real.
