So I had someone asking to use the buttons from my website who isn't really giving me an option of saying no whether I wanted to or not. He said he wanted to use the buttons and that he was just asking before using them unlike other people who don't ask before using. While I'm not 100% sure he'd just rip the graphics if I said no, that's what it felt like. So my big question is: Is there anything you can do about someone who is ripping your designs and graphics?

I'd tell him those graphics were not released under license and are 2008 copyrighted to you directly and that if he uses without asking he is in violation of international copyright law and subject to immediate legal action. There are varying ways of breaking it more kindly, but the shock treatment has a way of demanding their attention.

If you see the buttons already on his site, I'd copy 'em (drag them to your desktop) and then overlay them in photoshop to ensure they are the exact same graphics, not careful reproductions. You'll of course have the Photoshop originals and can prove your copyright. This can be used as evidence to an ISP or web-host in case you want to get them shut down.

It may also be beneficial to take the diplomatic approach and put your site graphics under one of the Creative Commons licenses or approach him with a direct licensing offer (can be as simple as "I want my name clearly stated as the source of the graphics on your website").

Just a few suggestions

The third option was the way I was thinking about going once he told me what his website was. And thanks for the rest of the suggestions. I think it's good stuff to know for anyone doing any sort of web based design. =]

It's never fun having your stuff ripped, but sometimes you can make some lasting allies by being diplomatic. You're a really friendly person - should be beneficial in the long run

I was nice =] But threw in the ugly stuff as a subtle warning ;] wasn't mean about it, but just made sure he understood =]

Seems like you kinda resolved this, but it's made me think that in future I'll make any buttons specific to the site... work a name or symbol into them that would make them inappropriate for others to use. What a cheeky SOB that person is though!