Type Setting Files Being Stolen

[macgurl70]

The OP is from a print shop and is having the customer take the pdf proof created to another print shop.
If you have one print shop typesetting/designing (or it could be a design agency) and they are taking the original company's pdf file to another organization. The file belongs to the first company that created the file.

Now, here is another wrinkle in the question that you caught and I admit I didn't -
"PDF Proof and giving the file to another printer to print the next time the job is printed."

I had been focusing on the term "proof" and missed the fact it was a reprint of the same job.

In that case, yes - it is their file. And, if all else fails - you at least have their design / typesetting business which is better than nothing at all.

[Sherbert]

So you typeset and print the job. The customer pays for both the typesetting and the print.

What does your contract say about releasing artwork files or isn't there one in place?

[UnlimitedBT]

I would advice to rasterize the file to 100 dpi. It will be readable on the screen but taken anywhere to print will look bad. If this is a common issue - this must be done.

[davec]

Fortunately, we don't get this much. I agree with airyk. Raster at 150 dpi, not 300!

[acacia print]

I have been wondering about this issue myself....That watermark idea sounds a good place to start.

[Lukas Engqvist]

I would talk to the customer about his views on ethics. Ask them their view on intellectual property and the right to get paid what you're due.

[Mike F]

You could also start requiring a deposit before providing a proof, so that at least if they do take it somewhere else, you haven't completely wasted your time. This is common practice in a few creative industries such as logo design and signage.