I'm not suggesting you break copyright law but, these are just some basic tips to help you avoid getting into trouble.

1. Add:

Code:

<meta name="robots" content="noarchive">

to your website

2. block ips of copyscape, archive.org, and similar

Robots.txt code

Code:

User-agent: ia_archiver
Disallow: /

3. host files in another country or one that US copyright law (or whatever country you are from) does not apply in
--> or have another server / free host somewhere else hosting the files of concern

4. use robots.txt to block any content which might be copyright
--> Don't allow search engines to index your images or other content.

5. strip digital signatures and water marks
--> PNG Optimizer
--> Copy the image in photoshop save as different file format
--> Make alterations to the image

6. Block TinEye and DigiMark ip addresses

7. Block the lawyers (or person(s) complaining) IP so if he didn't take a screen shot right away he won't be able to in the future and quickly take down the content. Switch servers and trash the old one QUICKLY.

8. Use secure erasing software to destroy any copies on your computer

9. Don't admit fault without first talking to a lawyer

10. Don't go around bragging that you use/used stolen content.

*BONUS* Upload content from proxy so you can deny that you were the one who uploaded the file(s).

*BONUS 2* Use php or similar language to read refer url. If "law" or "lawyer" is in url auto ban there IP. Have it send you an email alert so you can quickly take removal action before they switch ip or referring site. This might prevent them from collecting screen shot evidence if you get there in time.

The obvious ways:
- buy your images, etc.
- use unique content

Thanks and I take it that you have been down this road before?

No, I haven't I was inspired by another bhw member who got sued for 4K, see the thread in bhw lounge. So I just figured I would offer some useful advice.

Other thread:
http://www.blackhatworld.com/blackha...ermission.html

also would help to register the domain itself off shore with a non-US registrar that has safety from US copyright laws. Maybe sweden? not sure. But this in theory will keep the FTC from being able to simply take control of the domain name itself which happened to several movie websites last year.

i'm thinking about doing this soon, but damn is it worth it??

For text I'm not sure why you wouldn't cover your tracks by just spinning the text. I hated most spinners but find TBS the most thorough to work with. Images, well that's a whole another matter but that's why there is Photoshop.

Thanks for sharing. It was helpful.

@KHMNTCPR8: Yes, having your registrar in another country is a good idea. Preferably an uncommon language or from a country like RU/China, in my experience sending complains to registrars in those countries is a dead end.

@bertbaby: Spinning is a great idea just watch out. Sometimes the spinning itself can create unwanted fingerprints.

*UPDATE*
Here's the link to PNG Optimizer: http://psydk.org/PngOptimizer.php [FREE]

This is another useful link: http://www.cssdrive.com/index.php/main/csscompressor
--> Strip any comments or unique identifiers from borrowed css files is always a good idea.

Great tool for encrypting html code: http://www.voormedia.com/en/tools/ht...-scrambler.php

Great tool for obfuscating javascript: http://dean.edwards.name/weblog/2007/04/packer3/

[Speed + Obfuscation = WIN] Java Script Compressor: http://javascriptcompressor.com/

If you are not from USA, then this rules don't apply to you.

I would also suggest you to use servers outside USA. No lawyer will search for those websites that are hosted outside, especially in asian, eastern european or african countries.

Best tip is to emulate News sites. Register a DMCA agent and allow user submissions.

Otherwise, move your servers offshore or create original content.

"register the domain itself off shore"

Does anyone have recommendations for any offshore domain register???

I am going to use Extrawinner for the hosting..


I just found this site roaming around here... http://yohost.org ... anyone ever use them???

very useful info indeed.. enlightenment for us noobs. thanks!

Also on the look out for good offshore host. Anyone know of one? Ill give thanks and rep for answers

Nice tips, really great

Hey the_demon, if I move a domain from godaddy to say a Russian registrar, would that help to protect the domain from seizure? I mean can I do that to move my domain off of US soil?

Well, icann can step in in certain cases but, it will certainly make it harder to shut you down. RU, Netherlands, Panama, Sweden, China, and Malaysia tend to be the best countries for hosting content that might not be acceptable in the US.

Best Mailing countries: CN/RU/Malaysia
Best Warez: RU/Netherlands/Panama/Sweden

@Kupo: some good proxy services
- hidemyass.com Pro VPN (great pay service)
- TOR (your right, very slow but, it is pretty good. really depends on what your doing)
--> Might want to look into something called "Free Net" <-- Google that, pretty interesting.
- Proxies there are people on Fiverr & BHW who sell them. Talk w/ the provider some ppl sell specialized ones for mailing, scrape box, etc. Best to buy a couple run some tests and make sure they are legit before making large orders as some providers are BS.
- Checkout other sites like

Code:

www.samir.ru

It sucks having to pay for proxies but, often the best solution. There are tons of "shady" sellers the trick is finding the right hookups for the right purpose. Look around

PHP Code to check refer:

Code:

<?php
$yoursite = "yoursite.com"; //Your site url without http://
$yoursite2 = "www.yoursite.com"; //Type your domain with www. this time

$referer = $_SERVER['HTTP_REFERER'];

//Check if browser sends referrer url or not
if ($referer == "") { //If not, set referrer as your domain
$domain = $yoursite;
} else {
$domain = parse_url($referer); //If yes, parse referrer
}

if($domain['host'] == $yoursite || $domain['host'] == $yoursite2) {

//Run your dowloading code here normally

} else {

//The referrer is not your site, we redirect to your home page
header("Location: http://yoursite.com");
exit(); //Stop running the script

}

?>

Source:

Code:

http://www.knowledgesutra.com/forums/topic/40295-check-referrer-to-prevent-linking-yours-from-other-sites/

The above script is meant for detecting downloads but, what you would need to do is tweak it so that it would redirect them and block their ip. Best way would probably to have an array with your keywords you want to block and run a parse or regex on it to detect and block.

i need to copy screen shots from a site. it doesnt have watermark. Any suggestion? If edit something in photoshop is it ok?

Originally Posted by the_demon

3. host files in another country or one that US copyright law (or whatever country you are from) does not apply in
--> or have another server / free host somewhere else hosting the files of concern

Isn't it enough to upload images/videos to youtube/flickr,tinypic.com and then use them on your site?

Isn't it easier to use content from the public domain? you can find hundreds of pictures to use from wikimedia commons and picdrome,you might have to modify the picture to make it "unique" for example changing it from a picture to a painting in photoshop.

Originally Posted by the_demon

2. block ips of copyscape, archive.org, and similar


6. Block TinEye and DigiMark ip addresses

What are these IP addresses? How do you find them?

Originally Posted by Roparadise

Isn't it easier to use content from the public domain? you can find hundreds of pictures to use from wikimedia commons and picdrome,you might have to modify the picture to make it "unique" for example changing it from a picture to a painting in photoshop.

No there isn't enough pictures out there. I do not look for generic pictures - niche related- like celebrity pictures.

What if lets say i am not from Europe but i use USA based hosting. And lets say i do not host copyrighted images on that server but i have uploaded them to image sharing sites?

Would I in that case be in any danger as i do not host anything and there is no proof that I uploaded pictures to image sharing sites?

Originally Posted by the_demon

No, I haven't I was inspired by another bhw member who got sued for 4K, see the thread in bhw lounge. So I just figured I would offer some useful advice.

lol I got (attempted sued) but Nike and Decker (people who makes UGGs) for a couple million.

But sadly for them im a ghost.

Originally Posted by zai21

lol I got (attempted sued) but Nike and Decker (people who makes UGGs) for a couple million.

But sadly for them im a ghost.

Why?

I suppose you used affiliate program - and if you so sell their product from their partners such as Amazon why would they complain.

They even have API that pull pictures.

Did you do genuine or fake shoes?

Originally Posted by moonlighsunligh

Did you do genuine or fake shoes?

Replicas, more money.

Thanks then pictures maybe wasn't a problem.

Yet why do you mess with uggs they are quite crazy. But i am glad you fu...d them

Demon you offer services for White hat SEO and Black hat? just curious