Maine Airbnb Dispute: 'Copycat Cabin' Sparks Legal Questions

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 21:51 GMT by Travel + Leisure
      Locales: England, UNITED KINGDOM

The Rise of 'Copycat Cabins': Maine Dispute Highlights Growing Pains in the Airbnb Market

A seemingly quaint dispute in rural Maine over a $300-a-night Airbnb cottage has blossomed into a larger conversation about intellectual property, branding, and the increasingly competitive landscape of the short-term rental market. Emily Webster, owner of "The Cottage at Thornebrooke," has accused a neighboring host, Joshua, of blatant imitation, sparking a heated rivalry and raising questions about the protections afforded to hosts who invest heavily in creating a unique brand.

The situation, first reported by The New York Times, centers on the striking similarities between Webster's meticulously designed cabin and Joshua's newly listed property, "Thornbrooke Cottage." While a shared geographical location might explain some aesthetic overlap, Webster alleges the similarities extend far beyond mere coincidence. She points to a near-identical color scheme, a deliberately similar name, and eerily mirrored descriptions used in both Airbnb listings.

"It's just bizarre," Webster stated. "He's literally taking what I've built and trying to profit off of it." She invested years and considerable effort into establishing the unique aesthetic of "The Cottage at Thornebrooke," carefully selecting design elements and crafting marketing materials to attract a specific clientele. This dedication to branding, she argues, is what sets her business apart.

Joshua, however, denies any intentional wrongdoing. He claims his design choices were inspired by the regional aesthetic and that he was unaware of Webster's existing business when he created his listing. "I'm sorry if it's similar," he said. "I didn't know about her place. I was just inspired by the area and the style of homes around here."

This case isn't isolated. As the Airbnb marketplace becomes increasingly saturated, instances of hosts mimicking successful listings are likely to become more common. The platform, while offering unprecedented opportunities for individuals to enter the hospitality industry, currently lacks robust mechanisms to protect hosts from such "copycat" behavior. Airbnb acknowledged the issue, but a spokesperson indicated they currently have no specific policy in place to address these types of branding disputes.

The core of the problem lies in the murky legal territory surrounding design and branding in the short-term rental space. While a host can't legally copy architectural plans or trademarked logos, elements like color palettes, interior design styles, and descriptive writing fall into a gray area. Proving intentional infringement and demonstrating demonstrable financial harm can be difficult and costly. Webster is reportedly exploring legal options, but she expresses more frustration than anger at the situation.

Experts suggest this case could serve as a catalyst for change within the Airbnb community. The platform might need to consider implementing guidelines regarding listing descriptions, discouraging overly similar names, and potentially offering a dispute resolution process for branding conflicts. Some propose a system similar to copyright flagging used on platforms like YouTube, allowing hosts to report potential instances of imitation. However, balancing these protections with the platform's commitment to open access and creativity presents a significant challenge.

The broader implications of this dispute extend beyond the immediate conflict between Webster and Joshua. It speaks to the growing pains of a rapidly evolving industry grappling with issues of originality, competition, and the value of brand identity. Many small business owners, particularly those operating in the creative economy, invest heavily in developing a unique brand to attract customers. The lack of protection in the Airbnb marketplace could discourage this investment and stifle innovation.

"I just want people to understand what's happening," Webster said. "I want people to know that I built this business from the ground up, and it's frustrating to have someone try to take that away from me." Her story serves as a cautionary tale for all Airbnb hosts, highlighting the importance of protecting their brand and advocating for clearer guidelines within the platform. The 'copycat cabin' controversy is a clear signal: the Airbnb marketplace is maturing, and with that comes a growing need for defined intellectual property protections.