When Your Idea Gets Stolen
I’ve received countless emails asking for advice on what to do if a corporate copies your product. The first step is to focus on creating something unique and valuable – something people genuinely want and are willing to pay for. Without that foundation, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve the impact I did with just one blog post, even bypassing traditional legal routes. I’ve shared my full experience with Woolworths in a series of blog posts, which you’ll find linked below. My hope is that these posts inspire you to trust your instincts and stand up to the company that copied you. You don’t need my permission – or anyone else’s – to take a stand. Whether you come out on top or not, the journey will teach you something invaluable.
- 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.
Useful Resources:
The Ubuntu Baba vs Woolworths story has been used as a case study in many high schools and universities (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.
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
— Brent Lindeque (@BrentLindeque) January 8, 2019
We met with Ubuntu Baba today and have completed our investigation into the allegations of copying.
While there are differences in our baby carrier, there are striking similarities which we acknowledge and take responsibility for.
— Woolworths SA (@WOOLWORTHS_SA) January 9, 2019