The reason why I'm no longer making VSCO inspired Lightroom Presets

I wrote this blog post because I wanted to explain why I've suddenly changed the names and descriptions of half of the presets on my Etsy store; and why I will no longer be making VSCOCam inspired Lightroom presets. 

Up until recently, VSCO did not offer Lightroom versions of their VSCOCam mobile app presets, which is why I started making my own VSCOCam inspired presets at the end of 2015. A few weeks ago, VSCO launched their own official Lightroom versions of VSCOCam filters (called MP1), and I suppose they felt that my 'VSCOCam inspired' series could clash with their business interests because not long after that I received a 'cease and desist' letter from VSCO's lawyers advising me that I was no longer allowed to use the term 'VSCOcam inspired' (the VSCO name is trademarked so it was technically an infringement on their intellectual property). It's was actually such a confusing moment of conflicting emotions because as a huge VSCO fangurl it was a little exciting getting a letter from them, but it's also pretty terrifying being threatened with legal action. 

I was terrified, but also a little annoyed. Didn't VSCO build their empire by creating Lightroom presets inspired by specific films by Kodak, Fuji, etc? I'm sure those names are also trademarked. How is this different to what I'm doing? And why are they not targeting other sellers of 'VSCO inspired presets'? That's not the point though. They are protecting their commercial interests where it counts, and I get it- I would probably do the same thing. 

What this means for me is that I needed to rebrand all my existing VSCO inspired presets and I will not be making any more. I have been concentrating on creating presets inspired by my own editorial work, my travel photography, and portraiture anyway so it was more or less natural progression (just much much faster than I anticipated!). Maybe it is all for the best.

What this means for my customers is that if you've already purchased presets, try to avoid inadvertently buying the same one that's been renamed! I've kept the graphics the same for that reason, and your purchase history should show it clearly- but message me if you're unsure.

Thank you for all your support over the years and your understanding of this little hiccup.