I’ve received many emails for advice on what to do if / when a corporate copies your product.
The first thing you need to do is to create a unique and useful product that people are willing to pay for. Without that as my foundation, I would never have been able to bypass the law and get as much leverage as I did from one blog post.
I’ve written about my experience with Woolworths in detail and have linked to all the blog posts in order below. I’m hoping these posts will serve as some inspiration for you to know that you don’t need my permission or anyone else’s to stand up to the company that copied you.
Follow your intuition and do what you feel is right, whether you come out on top or not, you will have learnt something.
- Dear Woolworths, you have some explaining to do. January 7, 2019
- Update on Ubuntu Baba / Woolworths situation January 9, 2019
- What would’ve happened to your business if Woolworths continued to sell? January 30, 2019
- Official Joint Statement: Outcome of Ubuntu Baba / Woolworths discussions February 8, 2019
- Ask me one more time why I didn’t have a patent… advice from my attorney. March 14, 2019
- How I went viral. May 20, 2019
- Lessons from the year of WW. December 17, 2019.
Other useful links / podcasts:
The Ubuntu Baba vs Woolworths story has been used as a case study in many high schools / varsities (yay!!) and I’m often asked to send links for research purposes, so I’ve complied some of them below for your convenience.
Woolworths has shamelessly copied the complete design and concept of the baby carrier that I have put my heart and soul into for the last 4 years of my life. https://t.co/FUzNESUSj6
— Shannon McLaughlin (@ShannonMaryMac) January 7, 2019
When the power of social media reaches the real world… spotted at my local Woolies.
— Brent Lindeque (@BrentLindeque) January 8, 2019
The message is loud and clear: Hey @WOOLWORTHS_SA, RESPECT South Africans, HELP entrepreneurs & STOP killing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises!!!#BeBetter #UbuntuBabaWoolies pic.twitter.com/BGzoDoHPgd
We met with Ubuntu Baba today and have completed our investigation into the allegations of copying.
— Woolworths SA (@WOOLWORTHS_SA) January 9, 2019
While there are differences in our baby carrier, there are striking similarities which we acknowledge and take responsibility for.
(24:46 for Ubuntu Baba reference)