Bittersweet: Where's the Line Between Inspiration and Infringement?
Wednesday, July 8, 2009 
When last week's post about a new online cake and baking-supply shop was put up on the site, a number of readers expressed disappointment in the fact that the new shop seemed to be inspired--perhaps too much so--by another similar retailer. In fact, apparently it's been the subject of hot discussion on some message boards.
It wasn't the fact that they both sold similar items, said one reader, but the fact that the product shots and overall style seemed derivative; according to Susan, while the older retailer "knows that selling baking decor isn't exclusive only to her...the kits and things she makes and the time she puts into designing her product shots and things are sadly being blatantly copied".
The other shop in question did respond that
We were really excited about launching our website after a successful year with Etsy and were completely caught off guard by the reaction...We absolutely never intended to hurt or copy anyone in any way. We felt that our website was a natural extension of what we had already been doing for over a year in our Etsy shop.
The last thing we want is to be confused with our competitors. We have been working dilegently, and will continue to work dilegently to set ourselves apart in this market. We want nothing more than to enjoy our business and inspire our customers to make awesome sweet edible creations.
With more and more bakeries and baked good-related businesses opening, it seems like it is becoming a bigger and bigger problem, what with disputes and sometimes even lawsuits over shop names, cupcake design and more. Even outside of known disputes, there is frequent gossip about who was inspired by whose decor, recipes and overall style.
So is there a line between taking inspiration from others...and infringing on their territory? And if so, where is the line to be drawn?
culture
Reader Comments (28)
honestly, I don't think they're so similar as to create this sort of frenzy.
this reminds me of the urban threads vs sublime stitching fight, or really so many other fights out there.
people will see derivation where they want to. others will acknowledge that there's only so many ways to present kitch, cupcakes and caking supplies.
virtually every business goes through this, whether you're selling soup or soap.
I'm sure if we looked hard enough we could find similar sites that existed way before both of these stores. Honestly I don't see what the big deal is...there are relatively no TRUE new ideas at this point...especially in the cupcake business. It all looks the same to me *shrugs*
I would accept it and move on...there is always going to be competition and it should only encourage the shop owner to rise above it.
I noticed immediately, and I am not a devoted foodie or hard-core baker, nor had I visited Bake It Pretty in months before going to LC.
It makes me pretty sad to see blatant ripping off (it's WAY more than just "inspired by"), but Amanda at Bake It Pretty will always have my business as long as her prices are good, and I think many feel the same.