Watch out for clients asking you to fit unauthorized design copies

I had a kitchen project where the homeowner brought in cabinet doors that mirrored a custom shop's patented design. They wanted me to install them like they were original, which felt shady. I explained how copying hurts other makers in our trade, and it led to a tough talk. We ended up adjusting the plan to something unique instead.

2 comments

2 Comments

robert_jenkins441d ago

You talk about copying hurting other makers, but isn't a lot of design just using ideas from others? Might not be as bad as you think.

angela8901d ago

Yeah but where's the line between getting inspired and just taking someone's hard work? I had a client show me a picture of a super unique table from a local artist and ask me to build an exact copy for way cheaper. It felt icky, like I'd be undercutting that artist's specific style and effort. I mean, borrowing a general idea is one thing, but a direct copy just steals their bread and butter. We ended up talking it out and I made something with a similar vibe but totally different details.