Using Other People's Designs - Page 2

Being inspired by someone is one thing. Copying designs down to the exact detail and then selling them is another, I can see that no one could copyright a scalloped heart, but I have NEVER seen cookies like Nancy's anywhere. Also, like any good illustrator, her drawings are immediately recognizable. I guess it is just so frustrating to see someone else SELLING these incredibly original designs. Sorry for the rant, but I am a big fan of Nancy's artwork.

Nancy, I'm sorry to hear that someone is copying your stuff so close - like others, I've been inspired by people's creativity, especially on this site, and have done some stuff very similar, but when I post things, I'm always giving credit to that person, and would never try to pass of something I didn't come up with as my own. That's terrible! When I'm meeting with customers, I'll show them pictures of what I've done, and then pictures of what I think they are looking for, from what we've talked about.

You definitely should feel flattered that they are copying you - and if it's something that you need to bring to their attention, do so, but without being rude, like Antonia mentioned. Delivery is everything - you can get something negative out, but with the right delivery, it's not a bad thing.

I really like the idea of two separate books - one with your work, one with others. Maybe that's something you could suggest to this person. Keep us posted!

Well they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery lol. I imagine that would be irritating to find someone had copied your design EXACTLY, but we all get our inspiration from somewhere, I know I have 'copied' designs I have found online and in the Wilton magazines, etc... Most of the time I take several concepts from a bunch of different cakes and then come up with my own design, but not everyone is that creative and they need to have an example to look at to make stuff.
If someone was taking pictures of your work and passing it off as their own, now that would be a different story. What I don't understand is if this person is good enough to make cookies that look as good as yours, Nancy, why they can't be creative enough to come up with their own designs?? I couldn't copy your cookies if I tried! lol

I just took a peek at your cookies and I just have to say I LOVE them!! I can't believe they are cookies! I think if it were me I would have to say something to this person. Your designs are so unique that if I saw them on someone elses website, I think I would know they were actually your designs. I don't know exactly what I would say but I think you absolutely should. Maybe they will reply with a sorry and take the images off their site and it will be over. Hopefully it would be that simple.

pinkyEm is right; this person will realize their error and just remove the pics. It IS likely based in the same admiration we all have for excellent work. Sorry for sounding so angry. Benefit of the doubt, right?

I like Antonia's approach...always best to give someone the benefit of the doubt and the chance to correct their error. I have used others designs for inspiration-always try to give credit or get permission first, if it is possible.
I was showing my family your pictures-all I can say is WOW!

Is she using your designs, or your photos?

I am sorry your going thru this. I would go with Antonia's approach. On another note...your cookies are FABULOUS!!!! Wow..is all I can say!

Your cookies are amazing!!! Keep up the great work.

I doubt very seriously that anybody can get close to being as good as you are at your own creations.

Personally, I don't think I would have the patience to do what you do.

If you don't mind me asking, How long does it take for some of these? And what price range are they in?

Welcome to CC. I'm sure many people will be asking for advice.

I peeked at your cookies and I just WISH I could copy your designs! They are great and you are very talented. I would contact the person that is showing them on their web site. They should be giving credit to your designs

Yeah, I'm getting confused on this thread with the above question, too.

Antonia's advice to send an email is great advice. But I wouldn't expect the person to really respond politely. Copying or getting inspiration from someone's work is one thing, but copying someone else's designs down to such detail is another. I haven't seen the cookie in question, so I don't know how intricate the design is. But more than likely if it's a pretty intricate design, the person knows they are benefitting financially from a pretty unique piece of intellectual material. Although, I'm someone who is big on the benefit of the doubt, so there is the chance the person just didn't know they were being slightly unethical. I used to come across this debate all when I made candles for a business. Copying another's work is a matter of common sense. It really isn't that hard to figure out. It's one thing to get inspiration from someone else's design, or even mimick the work closely. It's also difficult to come up with an original design or name to very common designs, like if Yankee Candle Co. copyrights the name Strawberry for their candles, which they were trying to do when I was stopping making candles, that's just completely unreasonable and other candlemakers can't figure out what they're supposed to name a candle that's Strawberry scented. But copying a very intricate design is another thing.

But here's what I don't understand. Isn't it really silly that we can copyright our pictures, which is just an image of an actual design, but can't copyright the actual design? LOL!

-Heather

I am not one who normally post, but this topic was interesting to me. If the person is using your pictures well that is just wrong and they should stop. But if they have designed the product that is in the site then well maybe great minds think alike! I have only been a member here since around Aug 06. The funny thing is I have been doing cake for family and friends for around 8 years now. I was amazed when I started viewing the pictures and themes and compared them to things that I have done over the years. I agree your cookies are unique and it is probable your design was there inspiration. But if I could figure out how to load some of my photo (some need to be scanned) it would probably be assumed that my cakes where inspired by the "talents" on this sight! That is what makes CC so great there are so many wonderful people with great ideas and skills and it would be a shame if someone used your pictures. Your work is amazing! Maybe deception was not there intent!

In the fashion Industry theres a saying dont worry if they copy you, worry if they dont copy you
I had a competitor pretend she was a bride at a bride show, just to find out all she could about me. Then copy one of my cakes for her presentation card, move to the same mall as meTHE NERVE
But to me and to all, she will always be the copy, and me the real thing.
Brides come with Martha Steward Mag all the time for cakes they cant find here. Its ok, is good too. I never copy anything local, if I know who did it, Ill even give them the phone number myself