Pinching my material

[Cogcog]

I have just seen the slide deck for some training by a mid sized consulting company and they have lifted word for word materials I developed, and passed them off as their own with some training with a law firm!

I know there isn't much I can practically do but the temptation to ring the law firm up and ask what they are doing using my materials without permission is pretty strong.

What is a reasonable fee to request in compensation or should I wait until they have used them in a bigger contract and are mid training programme? I suspect they are getting £1,200-1,500 a day.

[MrSparks]

Did you write the material whilst working for them or was it done outside of work? Pretty sure anything done whilst at work will be deemed as the property of the company to be used how they want.

[Cogcog]

MrSparks said:

Did you write the material whilst working for them or was it done outside of work? Pretty sure anything done whilst at work will be deemed as the property of the company to be used how they want.

No I ran a course for a client and some of the consultants from this firm were in attendance as they were delivering other work in a similar area and they had spare places on the course. Every email I exchange with a client has a rider that all materials retain my copyright unless explicitly agreed in writing.


Looks like they have taken part of my Powerpoint deck and simply copied/pasted it and started selling their version of the course. It wouldn't be the first time this has happened but what has annoyed me slightly is that they have started pitching on jobs I am in the pot for. Imitation may be the best form of flattery but passing off the research and thinking as their own is just false.

Of course I could just ring their clients where I know it has been used ( I have the slides) and tell them as I am sure they would be horrified as the law firm are quite a big player and the original client would not be best pleased as they are still carrying out their contract.

[Gargamel]

I would approach the Head of Practice for the consultancy firm, and ask for a meeting.

In my view you should allow them the opportunity to remedy the situation, before you go to clients. It might make you feel better, but it could be double edged to simply ring your clients.

Cheeky though!

[Cogcog]

Gargamel said:

I would approach the Head of Practice for the consultancy firm, and ask for a meeting.

In my view you should allow them the opportunity to remedy the situation, before you go to clients. It might make you feel better, but it could be double edged to simply ring your clients.

Cheeky though!

I may get more insight to how and when they have used it soon. It may extend back through all their clients in the last 18 months.