Similar Designs and Plagiarism

Introduction

This post is long, but extremely important! Two designers might submit similar entries, or one designer might submit a design that's already in use. What then? Our intention is to limit these occurences, and also ensure that the contest submissions are as unique as possible.

1. Similar Designs (definition)

A pair of designs can be similar in two ways:

1. Visually - We might consider what the shapes of the design look like, where shapes are positioned in the design, etc.
   
2. Conceptually - We look at what the shapes of the design represent, what the design represents as a whole, etc.

Please Note: Sometimes it may be a combination of these two that creates a problem, and sometimes it's only one of the two. Use a keen eye when submitting!

2. Regulations (for similar designs)

• Designers should check for similarities prior to posting their entry
• If two similar designs are posted, the later one will be removed
• A small similarity is still a similarity; the same rules will apply
• Designs removed for being similar go to Chat with the Mods
• There will be penalties for designers who post similarities too often

Please Note: When similarities are extremely minor, it would be acceptable to contact the other designer or the staff, and simply obtain approval before posting your design.
Whenever a design is removed, it can be replaced with a different design unless specifically restricted by a moderator or administrator.

3. Exceptions (for similar designs)

Designs can be visually similar if any of the following apply:

• The only similarity between the designs is their cholor scheme
• The CH has made an open suggestion for everyone to use
• The contribution of the similarity to the overal design is very minimal
• It can be shown that the similarity is very commonly in use

Designs can be conceptually similar if any of the following apply:

• The CH has made an open suggestion for everyone to use
• The concept is implied by the organization (e.g. cars for car company)
• It can be shown that the similar concept is very commonly in use

Important Notes:
An "open suggestion" by the contest holder is one that's specifically addressed to all participants. If a suggestion is directed towards one designer or entry, then the suggestion is not open to everyone.

Of course, a contest holder might leave a suggestion for one particular designer, but the suggestion has nothing to do with that designer's previous entries. Then it's assumed to be an open suggestion because the designer cannot lay claim to any part of what was suggested.

A contest holder suggestion doesn't justify ignoring copyright, trademark, and in-contest similarities. If a questionable request is made, it should not be fulfilled and a moderator should be contacted.

4. Plagiarism

Plagiarism in the graphics domain occurs when a design is, in large part or whole, knowingly and without permission derived from, or is a copy of, another artist's work and passed off as one's own.

Plagiarism will not be tolerated on DesignContest.net! Confirmed offenders will be permanently banned from our forum and may even be responsible for refunding any prize money that was awarded to them for the plagiarized work.