When is it alright to accuse someone of copying your doll/someone else's doll?

When is it alright to accuse someone of copying your doll/someone else's doll?


What's the point? It's not as if there's a 'doll police' who is going to show up and punish someone for making a doll that looks like someone else's.

The most you could do, I suppose, is accuse the person and make such a fuss about it that the person leaves the forum. Even then, it's not as if this other person and their doll has ceased to exist- there may still be a doll that looks like yours out there, you've only succeeded in pushing the person not to post on DoA again. How many people copy your original characters and don't post to DoA? This line of thinking just leads to insanity.

You can't control what other people do but you can choose to feel better about it instead of worse.

Personally, I'd really rather create goodwill. I joined DoA to make friends and enjoy their unique creations... not to worry about my character or intellectual property being stolen. If I were skilled enough to have created an armada of unique characters it would lend strange level of paranoia to the whole experience.

 

I agree with nakitaninja. If you're worried about it someone stealing your ideas, don't post it. I really could care less if someone tried to copy one of my dolls. To me, it's more important to make friends. I met someone on DoA, and we found we had similar tastes so we made twins. It's really fun! But I don't think we could ever make them exactly the same even if we wanted to! Maybe two dolls look similar because the owners have similar tastes. I don't know why it's a huge deal with dolls. If two people had similar modified cars, they would think it's cool and strike up a conversation (happens all the time with my dad's Camaro). With dolls, people jump to the conclusion that their doll's idea has been stolen and enemies are formed. If you look at the Migidoll page, a lot of them have dark or heavy face-ups. The style suits Migis well so a lot of people use it. If someone PMed me and asked if our dolls to be related/similar, I'd be excited ^^

 

Personally another doll would have to be pretty darn exact to mine for me to accuse someone of copying them. I am always inspired by others dolls and although I always take care to do my own thing and not copy anyone I do use small things as inspiration for certain parts of an outfit. It is actually for that inspiration that I have so much fun on this website seeing all of the incredibly different views and styles.

 

why bother, instead of feeling negative emotions, try to change your way of thinking to that it's a compliment that she likes your, and whatever she says, you and your friends know that you came up with the idea...but that doesnt mean no one else thought of that idea too^^ if we could not copy each other...our dolls would like terrible

 

This is excellent advice. I hadn't thought to specifically post about where I got my ideas for individual characteristics for a doll, but I seriously will consider doing so in the future, considering that some people are very concerned about this issue and may claim you've gotten your inspiration elsewhere. Thanks!

 

I saw this and I had to comment. Outright accusations as to whether or not someone copied your doll is such an extreme. You have to think about the parties involved. I have a friend who likes to post on LJ about her dolls (no one here from doa) and concepts for new dolls that she's saving for, and actually had someone go and buy the doll, the eyes, the clothes and then rushed to make youtube video about their new doll who pretty much said word for word the LJ post even to the extreme about the dolls background/status/powers. At that point, I'd feel it was extremely uncomfortably a problem. Now, mind you, I didn't point this out to my friend because I thought it would upset her, thinking "Oh well, she doesn't go on DoA, she'll never know and he's probably not dumb enough to openly show the doll off to her." - I was wrong, after she bought her doll and all the things for it, she made a post on her journal feed and he accused her of copying/stealing his doll. It got to the point where all hell broke loose and his friends were pointing fingers and her friends were pointing fingers and the whole while all it did was upset her. even though she had the journal post way before he had even started being apart of her journal group, and I personally knew when she came up with the idea, when all is said and done, she just stopped posting amazing stories about her dolls or upcoming ones because of "copying" Eventually she just took down her LJ all together. In her case, it was extreme, like someone literally liked her doll concept then raced to make one for himself and then tried to make it seem like he had the idea first. All it did was create caos and while I can't really say for sure about him, i know her inbox and lj posts were blown up with bad mouthing and saying things like, "you're a thief." or, "Are any of your dolls originals or do you only copy others?"

Most of the time though, I think, it's just a simple case of same wig or eyes or just someone getting the same sculpt. I didn't get a lati yellow, till after another of my friends got one. and it went something along the lines of, "Oh my gawd! she's sooooo adorable!!! I want one!" and then it went, "oh my gawd! I love her outfit! where did you get it?" so, some of her clothing is the same. Now, if someone walked up and said, "you're copying!" I'd just have to look at them and say, "Why?" there are only so many places to get clothes. there are only so many companies to get dolls from. saying that I'm copying is like saying that everyone who posted in the databases after the first initial poster is copying. everyone has original ideas. it's just coincidence that other people happen to have the same ones and imho unless someone comes out and says, "i'm copying you!" if I see someone who has a doll dressed the same way as mine or they were inspired to get a sculpt like one of mine, i'll be flattered. There's just too much drama with this hobby to have members and friends accusing each other of copying. this is a fun and excited hobby and there are too many people already putting it down just by being "bad apples" or just people that don't get it, that we don't need any extra negativity.

However, I know that no matter what i or anyone else says will make someone feel less uncomfortable in a situation where they see two dolls that are pretty obviously the same *again, it would have to be an extreme case*. So the only thing I can really say is maybe tell a mod and let them kind of be the mediation path for the two owners to discuss it out privately. again, i strongly urge that it just be ignored if it's not your doll! but if you have to say something, go through proper channels. I'm not going to lie, if someone outright copied my doll head to toe plus all her bg info and her personality and the only thing different was a name, i'd be upset. but I'd also know that my girl is original and only I can be her "true" owner because only i can claim to have had the fun and excitement of coming up with her character. other than that... this is such an extremely difficult topic. :/

 

That is amazing! right there is the whole idea about this hobby! just being in love with your doll and having fun and enjoying the different aspects of the community with great people!

 

This is a funny thing that happens to me and one of my gal pals on DeviantART. Me and her co-write stories and roleplay and stuff all the time and I adore her stories. I have a character named Ethan and she has a character named Ethan. One time I commented how handsome I thought her Ethan was and she said it was funny how we both had the same name for him...I didn't remember she had an Ethan at the time I just needed something better then Echo to call the guy but we laughed about it. Another similarity is our story idea's too. One character gets star marks on their hands in both our stories albiet in mine he turns into a mermaid and in hers an angel (fanfiction and fan-comic) she made this beautiful piece of art representing our idea's and has done fantastic artwork for my story and I love helping her with hers.

The picture in question if your curious: http://aileen-rose.deviantart.com/art/Heaven-and-Sea-327674462

So to me...If it's similarities like that then it's nothing to really flip out over or accuse someone of copying. If anything it brought me and my friend closer together.

So what if your doll is let's say a Resinsoul Song with a gothic face up and someone else has the same doll sculpt and a gothic face up.

Let's face it...In this hobby there's a lot of gothic face ups. You can't accuse someone just cause of that. Now if it was an entire character yes.

I've had stories ripped off of by close friends before. It crushed me to a point where I wanted to quit writing.

 

Imitation and copying are two completely different things. You see this in the history of architecture alot, especially since the neoclassic revival, where there was serious debate about imitation vs. copying of classic architecture.
In a sense, I guess someone can argue that they liked the design of a doll so much that they absolutely had to have a similar one-- ok, fair, but they cross the line when they make not a similar one, but an exact replica. Firstly, it's their loss on the customization part of the hobby. Secondly, it's not flattering, its rude, unless they got express permission. The owner of the original doll spent time and effort into the creation of the appearance of his/her character. Copying it would be a stub at the work the original owner put into it. That's not to say that everyone has to have their own special, "original" doll-- it just means that there shouldn't be a conscious effort to copy someone else's.
This is not really different from people copying artist's OC's or even tracing art. Transferring OCs into doll form isn't much different. Most of the time, the appearance of a character is directly related in some way to the OC's backstory-- the artist painstakingly hashes out a reason for every detail. For someone to just take it away, is to understand the significance of the work. Understand that in the artists' community tracing a drawing and then changing some elements like clothing color or hair color or eye color, is still considered stealing and a form of art theft. In extreme cases, artists have their OCs copyrighted-- copying those can become a legal issue.

 

When is it alright to accuse someone of copying your doll/someone else's doll?

NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are people here with similar dolls that just happen to look alike. Or maybe two scupts with the same wig and eye color. Well, get over it!

People are allowed to do that. What if they happened to buy the same sculpt with default face? If they happened to have the same taste by accident, then maybe they might end up with a doll that looked alike.

And people who are basing their dolls on actors or non-original characters. Dolls will totally be similar in that case.

It's like, there are people who look like other people. And sometimes they have the same taste in clothes. People will get mad sometimes if they both show up in the same outfit, but that's just life and it's no one's fault.

Doll styles cannot be copyrighted anyway, so there's nothing illegal about it. Sure, it might make someone angry, but most of the time the other person isn't even copying, just happened to like the same colors, styles and dolls.

Some people get all upset about others "stealing" their "original" idea. Well, there is no such thing as an original idea and the other person may have never seen your doll and may have had their doll BEFORE yours, so what if you find out your doll "copies" another doll? Just relax!

You are allowed to do what you wish with your own doll. And they are allowed to do what they want with their own doll.

You may not think it is right, but that's life.

People can't go around making a claim on a certain sculpt with a certain wig and a certain faceup--because that isn't fair to anyone else who might come up with the same idea all on their own.

If someone has a very, very elaborate and extensive customization... It's still not illegal for someone to totally try and make the same thing. People may think that person isn't very creative and are stealing ideas, but they are still allowed to do it. Just like how companies can make cat dolls similar to other cat dolls, or dolls with hooves and horns similar to other dolls with hooves and horns. "Similar" isn't copying. Copying in the doll world means you actually have to re-cast the actual doll. If you sculpt it yourself, even if it looks a lot like another sculpt, it is still OK.

With bjds, they are ALL unique anyway, since all the faceups are hand-done, even the default ones, which means they are all slightly different because they aren't stamped exactly by some machine. And not all blue eyes are alike, nor are all short blond wigs, etc. So it takes a lot to actually copy a doll and the complete style. And usually, the owners will change the clothes and then there is no more match, so... I don't think it's a big deal.

I've known artists to get really upset and accuse others of copying them when the other artist is just using very similar subject-matter and colors, but that isn't copying, because people don't have a lock on certain colors or subjects so that no one else can use them! And the artists will draw and paint things in their own way, so the image will be different (even if it is very similar). The bad thing is if you take the actual artwork and lie, saying it's your own, or lie and say your artwork was done by a famous artist in order to make more money. Otherwise, people can get mad about it, but they should just try and not get upset!

Just be happy with your own dolls. And also you can be happy not to have someone accuse you of copying just because you want a doll that looks a certain way, but you find out someone else has the same idea. Just be glad that they have very good taste--the same as yours!

 

I think I'd be quite honored if someone chose to copy my doll. Imitation is the highest form of compliment. Besides, everyone can see who's came first by looking at the upload dates of the first picture taken of each doll

 

Honestly, who cares in the end, its just like all imitation, it still will end up with the copier's own touches to it. And its not like I myself have a trademark on the design in the first place, nor is anyone making money on stuff here, so by all means, take inspiration! I pretty unshamefully did with a few of my custom girls, even asked the original creator where they got some parts and they were happy to help

 

imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, as the saying goes - I find it bizarre that anyone could have a hissy fit over someone copying their doll's style, mainly because people often both buy a fullset of a doll, in which case it will look like all the other fullsets of course - it's no big deal if someone styles their doll just like yours, unless you strive to be unique and remarkable, in which case - get over yourself LOL

 

I'd get cranky if someone copied my backstories or characters but not necessarily how a doll looked.

 

I see it as a compliment. Besides they may be taking your ideas but they're out there for anyone to see and do that. You still have your doll they can't take that away from you so instead of getting in a huff about it see it as someone thinks you have great taste. People take other people's ideas about everything dressing, decorating, cooking all sorts of things. My husband has a friend who copies almost everything he buys my hubby just laughs about it.

 

I someone copied a character of mine, with backstory basically the same and copied the story i'm telling very closely, i'd think they needed to use more than once source for inspiration. I'd also be flattered, not used to anyone wanting to copy me lol. However, if they then got that published/printed/made money off it, then i'd be pissed cos i'd consider that 'art'(?) theft.
My dolls are primarily for me to enjoy. I like to share enjoyment with others so i'm happy if people like and want to emulate my dolls (again a sucker for flattery i suppose). I agree with Zavrinas about why i'm in this hobby; for me to have fun, be creative and be part of a community. Heck, if someone managed an exact copy of a doll i owned and photographed then in similar situations ectand i knew for sure they'd done it intentionally, then i'd probably send them a message along the lines of 'wow you must have worked really hard to get (doll name) exactly like (my doll name), why?? Cos i'd be really curious to know. I mean what if this person has really similar interests to you, is a real fan of your creations, you might actually get on. Would be interesting to meet up and do some kind of a doppleganger/twin/alternate universe thing... I guess i just wouldn't be that mad. This being said, IF i did a hell of a lot of modding as well as other customisation on my doll, and someone asked if i would customise their doll to be exactly the same, i'd say no.

 

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery...it's also one of the most annoying. As an artist I really hate it when people try to rip off my art styles. Even with the underscore "inspired by ;3" added it still pisses me off.

However, my dolls are recreational/ used as drawing models so I don't view imitation with them quite the same way. Sure I do my own faceups and make most of my doll items by hand but I don't really consider them my formal "works of art" or anything. So if someone decided they just had to have a doll that looked exactly like mine then sure go for it...if they think they can. I'm pretty difficult to duplicate. >

 

I would rather someone NOT copy me but there wouldn't be much I can do about it.

Still I would find it more annoying than complimentary.


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When I bought my Luts 2010 head it was because I saw someone's doll named Micheal and I really liked the sculpt and what she had done with it. I'm now working on a totally different concept of that doll but I must admit I'm having a hard time getting past her doll's name because in this case because it just seems so right to me. I had to practically force myself to name him something else! There's a beautiful pastel rainbow Narae on here that is too, too close to a concept I have been working on with another doll for a long time, who's looks I considered transferring to my Narae when I finally got one. I can't show her on here. She's a BJD but technically off topic, but if I were to show you that doll you'd swear I looked at her Narae and borrowed her concept right down to the stars on her face, but actually I didn't. I have two dolls I am working rainbow concepts on. I've been working them for a long time actually, and I started long before I even knew what a Narae was. One is dark, one is light and the light one just happens to resemble her idea a lot. Her face up is far better than mine, which is factory, and her nails are different. But otherwise her Narae and my doll could be sisters in terms of their concept if not in execution. Since that doll and mine aren't technically the same doll and I can't show her off on here anyway I'm not really too worried about it but if I was going to be showing off my two rainbow girls on here I'd be worried that I might offend her and probably wouldn't.

Ultimately I do what I want with my dolls. I don't intentionally copy but there are circumstances under which I can see myself being accused of it maybe. As a doll artist looking at pics of other people's dolls is a major part of learning and I've looked at a lot of pics. I'm sure I have a lot of ideas in my head that probably do come from doing that. I would think it's pretty hard to avoid it to some extent. But I am also someone who likes her dolls to look fairly unique. I don't usually pick the most normal dolls to begin with. Look at the cast of characters in my doll list and you will see what I mean. I like a lot of variety. I like dolls that are really different in terms of skin tone and that have wild hair colors. I'm very particular about what I put on my dolls. I make a lot of their clothing and that because I can't really afford not to, but I also do that so I know no one else's doll out there is likely going to be wearing the same clothes as mine or will look quite like mine. If someone copied one of my dolls to the T, honestly I think I'd be a bit ticked, but also likely amused. In my mind that shows a certain stunning lack of originality but I'm an art major and photographer and I see it done all the time. I've never intentionally copied a doll and likely I never will.

There's only one possible exception to that rule for me and that's this one little goth boy who I don't own, and unfortunately likely never will, and who's face and face up I just adored. I wanted him but unfortunately he ended up being sold to someone else. In his case, if I ever got one of my own I think I might, at least in so far as making him look a lot like the artist's original face up. I wouldn't feel too guilty about it either because in this case the person who owned the doll previously made some major changes and I've talked to the artist and she says she'd be perfectly fine with doing a very close take off on that original face. She doesn't really consider that boy to be the boy she did anymore and the original face up was hers and that's what I liked about the face, what was left of it. The changes don't really appeal to me anyway, and I'd have probably changed them back. Would that technically be copying? I'm not sure, but yeah, I would do that, for him. The way I see it the face up also belongs to the artist as well as the client. If the client changes it considerably does the original variant of it then still remain off limits to anyone else? I'm not too sure about that. I don't think in that case it would apply.

Which of course begs the question. Who ultimately owns the face up, the person who has the doll, the artist, both? Who gets to decide if it's copying or not if someone else sees a doll and wants an artist to do that kind of face up again? The way I see it each artist has their style, their way of doing things. It's pretty much inevitable I think that we're going to see some duplication here and there, intentional or not. We see that with sculpts. Artists move from company to company and their style of sculpting moves with them, which is why you can have several companies with sculpts that totally look like they are related. Accusations of copying are leveled, but are they really copying, or just sculpting again in their particular style?

I've been looking for a very particular face shape and eye type for a historical character for a while. Much to my surprise I have found at least half a dozen sculpts, very similar, cross company lines that I could use. I've semi-based him on an actor I like, a character he played who was in turn based on a historical person. Usually I don't do that, base a doll on a real living person. It's something I find just a bit creepy. I'm not much of a minime person. But in this case I am making an exception because I really like that face, and the character he played that inspired it, and the character I want to do just can't really look like someone else to me. It just wouldn't work. When he's finally done I think anyone who knows of him could not help but notice a distinct resemblance. I think it might be a bit embarrassing even, for me how close it is, but I'm still doing it anyway. :P But 12 heads, at the very least? That's a lot of very similar heads!

I definitely view all those minimee dolls as "copying." Most celebrities they feel they own their image. Legally they often insist upon a release and compensation if dolls of them are made and I feel that is their right given they are public personalities. I think though that the existence of such unauthorized dolls is proof positive that is the nature of the BJD industry to "copy" to a certain degree and I'm not into being hypocritical about it. I could call out several companies for making unauthorized celebrity dolls, and I think we all know that it is true. Given that I think that maybe yelling at each other for copying is a bit redundant maybe. It just seems to be part of the whole owning of BJD thing, a given that a certain amount of copying can and will go on, and it will be tolerated regardless, you know?

 

Even little kids know they sound immature and ridiculous when they say "quit copying me" but I have had the experience of my work being copied, and it is a little unsettling. I did not like it. But ultimately I did not "do" anything about it.