When They Go Low, We Go High: How to Respond When Someone Copies Your Idea

*originally posted on www.themogulmillennial.com*

The Evening Standard, a local newspaper in London recently caused an uproar when they published an image that looks awfully similar to Solange’s recent music album cover photo.

Both Solange and the model in the London-based newspaper are posing in front of a bare wall, with a wavy hairstyle and colorful hair pins down their hair. The imitation of this photo is undeniable, and it is evident that the photo in the Evening Standard lacks originality.

Because the photo is an obvious copy of Solange’s it left a bad taste in many people’s mouths (and tweets).

The sad part about all of this, is that copying someone and lacking originality happens ALL THE TIME. I’ve seen it happen so much in music, television, in culture, business, and even in the workplace (and I’m sure you have too). So what do you do when someone literally copies your work, piece by piece?

Take a leaf out of Solange’s book and keep doing you anyway. Since this image was published a few days ago, Solange has not publicly given it the time of her day, and I don’t blame her.

When someone is bold enough to copy or steal your ideas and highlight them as your own, it can be a difficult pill to swallow – especially when you have worked so hard to develop and deliver the idea. You feel as if you’ve worked too hard to let someone else get the credit for your work and genius. Trust me I know.

So in this type of situation, what should you do?

Should you confront them publicly and get your revenge?

Nope. Just let it go.

Yes, I know getting revenge may seem ideal, but you are better than that. Also, why waste time and energy on them, when you can be putting more energy and time in doing more to make yourself greater.

Here are some things you can do when the flattery from someone gets real and your work is copied or stolen:

Forgive and forget

Yes he or she copied your idea. Acknowledge it and move on. The longer you give your energy and thoughts to a person or situation like this, the longer you will stay stuck and will be unable to move on.

Remember that YOU are the dope one with the ideas

Although he or she copied or stole your idea, get your peace back by knowing you are the creative one that can easily come up with another creative idea. Put your focus on yourself and do what you do best. If you came up with one idea that was valuable, then you can definitely come up with another.

Protect yourself

The next time that you have a really good idea, protect yourself and your genius. File for a copyright or trademark protection of your work. If your idea is truly one of a kind, it might even be worth it to file a patent to further protect yourself. See your local IP laws on how to legally protect your ideas and business.

What Are Your Thoughts?

Have you ever had an idea copied or stolen? How did you react?