I’ve had in my mind for a while an idea for something to make out of clay models in a frame. Then I looked at a shop with a picture on the front page and my idea’s already been done! It’s not a unique idea but it’s been executed in similar media. I’m afraid I may be accused of copying if I make mine (although it wouldn’t be exactly the same, of course). What should I do? Abandon it (which would seem a bit unfair as I thought of it without other influence) or risk being accused of copying (which I would never do!) ? Thanks in advance for any advice you could give!
O.K. I shall go ahead and do it- let the accusations come, I know I’m blameless!..
2 Likes
Just do your own one I’m sure you will not be copying the other shops ideas.
You have you own interpretation of what you want your clay framed items to look like and I bet they’ll be different.
All the best.
There are so many similar items from different sellers. As long as it is your interpretation of an idea I wouldn’t worry. Lots of people make the same - purses, jewellery, plaques, decorations, even some of the more unusual things are not always unique. I think unless its a blatant copy theres not an issue.
2 Likes
I say go for it, we all know how hard it is to be unique with our ideas no matter how hard we try so having something similar wont be seen as copying. Look at the world of jewellery making, there is so much competition out there and so many similar designs, even amongst the most famous of designers.
I hope you do well with it
Thanks, everyone! I’ll go ahead and if anyone complains I’ll refer them to this thread!
Chris x
Isn’t there a phrase that runs something like ‘there is nothing new under the sun’ or some such! Just because you are concientious enough to acknowledge the other design , doesn’t mean others have seen it. Anyhow - I’m sure yours will be better! M X
I agree. Go for it. 
Lots of earrings are made the same but with different beads, as are many other handmade items. We just give them our own unique twist.
Karen 
I think you should be OK providing your final art is not a copy of someone else’s framed clayware or very similar. So try and be a bit different. There is part of copyright law which protects against derivatives I think. eg If I see an artists picture and copy it make to something from it which is a bit different but is fairly obvious it came from the original art, and has been manipulated by me and sold as mine. So be sensible about this.
Unless someone trademarks or patents the method of putting of clay in frames, you should still be able to use that art form without a licence or permission. Even if they trademark it, they would have to demonstrate it is a unique style or brand to register it.