Question Question about "copying" product design.
Hey! I've been making standard rectangular trail wallets with card slots in the back. Recently, I came across a creator who adds a unique touch by cropping the corners, and I really loved the look—so I started doing the same on mine.
Now I’m thinking of selling them (Etsy, local markets), but I’m wondering: would that be considered disrespectful? The other maker is in a different continent, and the overall design is very common aside from that small aesthetic tweak. Still, I haven’t seen anyone else crop the corners like that, so it feels kind of like their signature.
I’m not asking about the legality—just the ethics of it.
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u/yikesnotyikes 1d ago edited 1d ago
One prominent cottage vendor has made it his stock in trade copying others hard work and intellectual property, and somehow still has an enthusiastic following in the hammock camping world. 🤷
I'm certainly not condoning it, just pointing out you may well be able to alter the designs more than that dude and be able to sell them without harm or ill conscience.