In modern times the working environment of designers is flooded with information and various designs that often carry similar theme, technique, or purpose. With that said it is important to be aware of what and to what extent we can seize for inspiration so that in crucial situations we do not breach copyrights of viewed material. The purpose of this diploma thesis is to determinate parameters which determine whether our fictional character is intellectually independent. And furthermore, present credible methods and/or programs, that would impartially provide an assessment on quantity of originality in our work. Research data has been collected through a detailed analysis of designing an original fictional character. We used a survey, in which the participants visually assessed similarity between two characters. And later tested program equipment, that calculates numbers of identical parts in two graphics. Additionally, a series of interviews with graphic companies was made, where we collected their experience on the problem of intellectual property. The research has shown that searching for inspiration is crucial when designing new graphic character. The most appropriate time for searching is before the start of design process. Graphic design is closely connected with copyrights, but similarity limit for two graphics does not exist. Furthermore, making new interpretations of something already seen is common practice in design world. From our research we can also conclude that assessing similarity is a process that we cannot uniformly determinate, but visual assessment and certain program equipment under defined circumstances can give us a nod in the right direction. Based on this research we still recommend that designers stay aware of copyrights and respect each other’s work. Furthermore, similarities between work of different authors can occur and are not by default copyright infringement. Big and small design companies are putting to use design guidelines from certain place and time, so they can all obtain same likeness in public.
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