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 icons, btw. similiar to iPhone icons 😉 )
What about copyrights and intellectual property?
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 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?!