Copyrights, using similar concepts of design etc [closed]

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My question is rather simple, but affect serious issue.

When I'm developing websites / widgets and other web applications may I use similar approach in design cases like other pages have? It's just my inspiration.

For example. I'm not copying piece of codes, graphics, but using some very useful strategies and concepts, but

• find very comfortable Google new navigation (top, dark bar)
• icon navigation and positioning like in Google+ or Google Maps is nice in my opinion
• apple.com boxes with rounded corners and delicate shadow is just perfect
• etc. etc.

So... what if I create administration panel for example finding inspirations in that pages? Similiar but in different dimmensions and colors , using different buttons layout, using my own code and graphics (or with royalty-free licence on 开发者_Python百科icons, btw. similiar to iPhone icons ;) )

What about copyrights and intellectual property?

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I AM NOT A LAWYER AND THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE!

You cannot copyright things that are considered useful or practical, Like rounded corners and shadows. Yet in Intellectual property there are "Trade Dress" which means: The total image and overall appearance of a product or service; protected under common law principles to trademark law.

But as mentioned above this can be a very fine line and ultimately it is up to the judge/jury to decide did you infringe.

If you cannot afford a lawyer I would recommend doing alot of reading and studying. A book that hes helped me out a alot is: Intellectual Property: Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights by Richard Stim. Published by West Legal Studies. That book gives you a good base and is used in Law Schools and you can understand it.

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Getting ideas

Collecting ideas from other sites is normal and probably the right thing you can do! Like checking out features and way of others do things. That's called research -- taking bad and good from other sites and making yours better.

Using similar elements

Its pretty impossible to get sued, because you used similar toolbar on your site, as google has. Of course being a copycat is not a nice thing to do. Unless you are getting only the idea and of course create the full toolbar from ground up.

As example: I really liked the orange toolbar in new google analytics. So I used it in a UI for a big system. I only used the tab and icon look. Also made it in blue not orange.. That's taking some good idea and making it fit for your current project.

What you shouldn't do

You must remember, that all logos and images are copyrighted (unless stated otherwise; also, some sites copyright their own logos and layout graphics, but offer the content as free to use.)

Making a parody-site

Technically you can go as far as copying a full site. However, this is on the very critical verge, where you could get sued. However:

• If you don't use any of the logos or trademarked elements
• You make all graphics and photos yourself (dress all your models the same)
• Create all code from ground up (copyrighting html and css might be possible, but if you change it a little, or better yet make it your own.. its not the same)
• Maybe even put the sidebar or menus on the opposite side or something

If you follow these points, you should be safe from getting sued, however copying somebody's site is not a nice thing to do. Unless, you want to play a prank on your friend or creating a fansite of a site of some kind.

Disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer, but I also have never been sued! These are general facts, on how you get things done on the web. 85% of worlds ideas are already being done, but who said you cant make the same ideas better?!