Here's another perspective on this issue, that might be a bit unpopular, but I feel needs to be said:
Why do you feel entitled to do something relatively copy-able and not be copied? Because you're European?
Patents and that sort of legal protection apply to discoveries and inventions (and even then, the rules change with the Chinese). To be blunt, you're making a website for people to organize around video games. I'm not trying to belittle what you're doing (admittedly a huge former fan of competitive Starcraft on ICCup, CS and Halo PC on Xfire, etc) but come on you're not splitting the atom in any sense.
Compete and beat the clones. They're not going to go away, that's reality. Did you know that Facebook has the exact same problem you do with Renren?
So how can you compete? Understand your users better to offer superior customer service; stay on top of new features; build a network effect into your product. Though I'm thinking it already has one, since tournaments need people, and people will congregate on the best platform. I know e-sports is huge (and growing) in Europe, and I'd find it quite surprising if eventually the winning platform for these people to organize tournaments is on a Chinese site!
Best of luck Benjamin, I do wish you the best. I don't think there's an easy answer for you, just stay pragmatic given the realities of what you're up against.
Why do you feel entitled to do something relatively copy-able and not be copied? Because you're European?
Patents and that sort of legal protection apply to discoveries and inventions (and even then, the rules change with the Chinese). To be blunt, you're making a website for people to organize around video games. I'm not trying to belittle what you're doing (admittedly a huge former fan of competitive Starcraft on ICCup, CS and Halo PC on Xfire, etc) but come on you're not splitting the atom in any sense.
Compete and beat the clones. They're not going to go away, that's reality. Did you know that Facebook has the exact same problem you do with Renren?
So how can you compete? Understand your users better to offer superior customer service; stay on top of new features; build a network effect into your product. Though I'm thinking it already has one, since tournaments need people, and people will congregate on the best platform. I know e-sports is huge (and growing) in Europe, and I'd find it quite surprising if eventually the winning platform for these people to organize tournaments is on a Chinese site!
Best of luck Benjamin, I do wish you the best. I don't think there's an easy answer for you, just stay pragmatic given the realities of what you're up against.