California Copyright on Meta Tag if it's a Business Description?

[John Doe X]

California. Some dipstick took the entire header from my commercial website & pasted it on theirs. They live in the same small town & are in the same field of work. I have ample proof that I generate significant business via my website.

The Meta Tags they took were a carefully worded description of the business & keywords. And I must say, despite what is often stated, Meta Tags ARE VIEWABLE by potential clients browsing the internet. Most google listings have the Meta Tag description visible. It is debatable as to it's influence on SEO ranking.

The individual admitted they "took" my meta tags & it is obvious as it comprised over 400 identical characters in a row. They changed out my name with theirs & left everything else the same. Do I have a case?

Thanks in Advance,
JD

 

[The Occultist]

A case for what? What is the end result you are ultimately looking for?

 

[John Doe X]

I'm looking for compensation & a statement from them that they "stole my content". They admitted once & I have proof. Business reputations are extremely important where I live, everyone knows everything about everyone.

Just to make things clear, I get paid pretty well to write copy & Meta descriptions keywords & build websites. I WILL NOT produce content for ANYONE in my field as it's proprietary content that I produce. My copy & SEO work dramatically influences the amount of business I have each year. Having someone just walk up & take it (when there's a big ole CopyRight my name all over it) is stealing A) copyrighted material B) a business description & C) you tell me?

They could have very easily led people to believe that we were associated or they could have siphoned business away from me.

Lastly, I once knew someone that took an image online from Getty Images & used it. Later they had a letter from Getty legal with a settlement & copies of the website containing the image. They didn't have to prove anything & the person paid them what they wanted. My issue is nearly identical to the Getty one. Is it not?

Thanks Again,
JD

 

[The Occultist]

You're looking for money then, yes? You'll want a lawyer representing you as you send out these civil demands, and, eventually, a lawsuit. Since that is the case anyways, you might as well start sitting down with attorneys to see what they'll charge ya and what they'll be able to do for you.