As the founder of Sarbatra, an IT company developing the innovative Sarbatra CMS, our journey has been focused on empowering travel businesses with dynamic tools like drag-and-drop page builders, customizable widgets, and travel-specific features. Along the way, we’ve collaborated with numerous travel agencies to transform their digital presence. However, collaborations sometimes encounter challenges rooted in expectations and intellectual property concerns.
A Recent Challenge: Writing Style and Idea Structuring
Recently, a client approached us with a visionary idea for their travel website, leveraging the power of **Sarbatra CMS**. Their passion for differentiation and success was evident, and we dedicated ourselves to implementing a unique UI and tailored features. After the project was delivered, however, the client raised concerns about their **writing style and idea structuring format** being allegedly copied by other travel agencies—many of whom are also our clients.
Their exact words were:
“Some of the agencies have been copying my writing style, idea structuring format. I want you to stop them copying my style because I asked you to keep it secret. If you don’t, things won’t go good. Keep this in mind, these companies are your clients.”
This situation prompted us to reflect on whether the development team can or should be held responsible for such concerns.
Breaking Down the Conflict
1. What was claimed as intellectual property?
The client’s concern lies in the writing style and structuring format of ideas, which they feel were unique and confidential. While originality in content creation is crucial, writing styles and formats are generally intangible assets. These are not easily protected under intellectual property laws unless explicitly copyrighted.
2. Is the development team responsible?
Development teams like ours typically focus on creating technical infrastructure—CMS functionality, UI/UX, and backend systems. Unless explicitly involved in content writing, we don’t control or influence what one client shares or replicates elsewhere. The content we integrated into the website was provided by the client and implemented according to their specifications.
3. Can “writing style” be protected in a real-world travel project?
– Writing styles, tone, or idea structuring can inspire others but are not inherently copyrightable. These elements often serve as creative inspiration rather than proprietary assets.
– The claim of exclusivity depends on having prior agreements about confidentiality or originality—e.g., an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement). Without such agreements, it’s difficult to enforce restrictions on how these elements are used.
4. The ethical dilemma of shared clientele:
In the travel industry, where agencies often have overlapping goals, design patterns, or strategies, similarities are inevitable. As an IT service provider with multiple clients in the same industry, it becomes critical to maintain neutrality. We neither promote nor replicate content intentionally.
How Can This Be Avoided in Future Projects?
1. Clear Agreements:
Establish precise contracts detailing responsibilities for content originality and confidentiality. If writing styles or content must be treated as proprietary, include explicit clauses for safeguarding them.
2. Separation of Roles:
Clarify the boundary between development and content creation. When clients provide content, ensure it is their responsibility to verify its originality and legality.
3. Client Collaboration Policies:
Develop policies that transparently outline how ideas and templates will be used across projects to avoid potential misunderstandings.
4. Encourage Creativity:
Promote distinctive designs, UI/UX customizations, and unique integrations tailored to each client’s needs, thereby reducing overlaps.
Final Thoughts
The conflict described is a classic example of misaligned expectations. The development team is unlikely to be responsible for the copying of a client’s writing style or idea structuring, especially if they were not involved in content creation. Such concerns, while valid, highlight the need for better communication, clear agreements, and realistic boundaries of intellectual property in collaborative projects.
In the competitive travel industry, where innovation thrives on shared inspiration, it’s essential for both clients and service providers to embrace collaboration while respecting creative boundaries. For Sarbatra, our commitment remains to deliver exceptional technical solutions while fostering trust and transparency with every client.
