Would it be legal to copy a sitelayout exactly and then sell it? (without copying)

[najkiie]

I'm not thinking about doing it, i'm just asking cause i think it's an interessting question.

Would it be legal to copy a website exactly? When i say exactly, i mean make a website that looks very similair (if not exactly the same) using my own content (and by content i mean graphics, text's and everything else that could be copied)?

I wouldn't copy any files (like css files, scripts etc..) and i wouldn't be copying the code right off. I would make it all myself and try making it as close as it can get to the other site.

I don't think it should be illegal. I mean... there is so many websites out there that almost has the same layout, its just not fair. How many layouts are there?

-Nike :)

[Apostropartheid]

If the visual theme of the site is close enough to infringe on the owner's IP, then yes, it would be illegal. Do you have an example?

[najkiie]

What do you mean with "infrige on the owner's IP"? I will only be copying the layout, nothing else.

I don't have an example website, but lets say i would create a copy of the design of YouTube (and all the functions, like uploading, comment system, private messages etc..), and then sell it online as a php program.

[bazz]

I'm not thinking about doing it, i'm just asking cause i think it's an interessting question.



I will only be copying the layout, nothing else.


Sounds like a complete about turn to me. I would suggest you create your own. copying the source code or the entire css or the content or a combination thereof, is likely a breach of copyright by the person who copies it.

It's always a good idea to ask this (next) sort of question.. If you were to have designed a site and its css, would you be happy if/when someone else copied it, taking advantage of your wallet/design skills, which paid for the design?

If you answer is no, you are fooling yourself.
If it is yes then you would know not to do it to someone else.

As for how to do it, I shall let someone else consider their own response coz I disgaree with the whole concept and so can't help.

bazz

[najkiie]

Alright.. what i ment was:

"I WOULD only be copying the layout, nothing else"

I alredy have a website. There is no reason for me to copy someones layout, i can make my own one.

[Apostropartheid]

It's still illegal without sufficient variation. Only slight variation in graphics is still essentially stealing someone else's work, and you definitely don't want Google's lawyers on your case. However, if you get inspired by Youtube's design, e.g. Break (http://break.com/), which is similar in layout and function but is recognizably different, then it's fine.

[najkiie]

Alright. I'm not really inspired by Youtube's design, i actually think its pretty ugly compared to other sites. I just took it as an example.


Thanks to all of ya for the replies :D

-Nike