He mentions Lightbank is the vc, is it fair to judge them for this behavior? As an entrepreneur it does really put me off.
A VC-funded startup called WhosHere is trying to steal my social network
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Re: A VC-funded startup called WhosHere is trying to steal my social network
#12Also it appears that WhosHere launched in July 2008, so 2 years before your product appeared? Or is that incorrect? Regardless you should fight these dudes as I'm sure they would not relent to you in kind.
Re: A VC-funded startup called WhosHere is trying to steal my social network
#13The adage "An attorney who represents himself has a fool for a client" has some relevance, but in the information society self represeration can have major advantages. The best way to be a Pro Se is to hire outside counsel to advise you, but to do all the dirty litigation work yourself. If this company has hired an outside attorney to litigate, this person could make that a very, very expensive proposition for them. I think this company's board would grow very concerned at legal expenses exceeding $100k with no hope of recovering from the defendant. My advise is hire counsel to advise you, educate yourself of self representation and court procedures, and rake these fuckers over the coals.
Re: A VC-funded startup called WhosHere is trying to steal my social network
#14Wow ... this is shocking! Can someone explain how this is even remotely trademark infringement?
I'd also suggest you dig up research papers in conferences such as UbiComp and Pervasive. The "who is near me" app has been around for years. Also, check out papers on the cooltown project. I'm not totally sure what a defense to a trademark infringement claim would be. Perhaps if a researcher used the same name in a paper, that might help?
Re: A VC-funded startup called WhosHere is trying to steal my social network
#15Put up something to accept donations, I'd be happy to kick back a few bucks to the cause.
"It's a Kickstarter for legal fees" in 1...2..
Re: A VC-funded startup called WhosHere is trying to steal my social network
#16I'm clueles, but what if you hired a lawyer for equity, then raise some money and utterly crushed them? Obviously there's a valuable market and you are good at what you do. So, is it unrealistic to think that's possible?
Re: A VC-funded startup called WhosHere is trying to steal my social network
#17[deleted]
Re: A VC-funded startup called WhosHere is trying to steal my social network
#18He mentions Lightbank is the vc, is it fair to judge them for this behavior? As an entrepreneur it does really put me off.
I think so, although there is always two sides of the story, so I would reserve judgement for the next couple days.
Re: A VC-funded startup called WhosHere is trying to steal my social network
#19I know it shouldn't, and I know the "hacker" or VC communities are huge with tons of diversity, but it annoys and saddens me to see some people just being bullies and jerks like this.
Re: A VC-funded startup called WhosHere is trying to steal my social network
#20He mentions Lightbank is the vc, is it fair to judge them for this behavior? As an entrepreneur it does really put me off.
I stopped reading when I came across Lightbank. I've spent time in Chicago, got to know a few of those guys and companies they've funded, and have since stayed as far away as possible. Anyone in the area should do the same.
Curious? Look into their deal structures.