In future, you should make sure you select the correct license under which you’re releasing the theme. Some licenses are far more “open” than others.
Otherwise, you could issue a formal C&D letter, then try to get their ISPs and hosts involved.
It was under GPL, which clearly states “but changing it is not allowed”. It’s not the greatest, because I have no problem with people changing the width etc. but I want my copyright to stay.
So what’s that form, letter thing?
Formal “cease and desist”. You can look up the form for one online….
Get it written, sent to the abusers, then copy their ISPs and hosts (use whois to find them).
Hmmm… do we read two different GPL licenses? The second sentence:
By contrast, the GNU General Public License is intended to guarantee your freedom to share and change free software…
I thought the GNU required attribution at all stages; i.e., if you use something that is under the GNU in any part of a new creation, you have to acknowledge that such and such part of the new creation is licensed under the GNU by so and so, copyright so and so.
However, I’m not sure you get to specify where the acknowledgement goes. In the context of the website, a little notice on the “about” page might be enough.
Of course, I’m no lawyer.
Generally, I do one of two things: if it’s for public use, such as a theme I’ve made available, I simply add copyright but release without conditionals; if I expect attribution I copyright and add the conditionals to the head of each page: a link back is required; removal of copyright will cause Sauron to immediately take up residence in your living room, whatever. Stuff like “released under GPL” is more trouble than it’s worth.
Set your specifics, and stick by them.
Obviously somebody – by accident, I guess – made me a mod 🙂 and in this way Canada is also represented in this distinct group of WP addicts, LOL
