I wanted to bake and decorate a cake for my nephew this weekend.

He is turning 3.

The problem is that he really really wanted this cake that someone has posted in their pictures.

I pm'd this person for permission to duplicate but did not get a response.

Saturday is the big day.

Any suggestions as to what I should do??

Please help.

well, its a tricky situation, but technically you can't copywrite or trademark an idea. just the actual item or product. so make it anyway and it will be YOUR original creation. odds are it won't look exactly the same. the real problem is when people take others PHOTOS of others WORK. but this will be your work and your cake.

In my opinion, if somebody posts their picture, they're sharing it with the world, on purpose, and they realize that other people will use it for ideas. Other people may even duplicate it down to the last detail (God knows it's happened to me.) I think it's fine if you copy it, as long as you give credit to the original artist if you decide to post it here.

While I think it's nice that you asked for permission...I don't see any reason for you NOT to make the cake. Everyone who posts here realizes that their cakes are being viewed by other decorators; many of whom will attempt the great designs. It won't be an exact copy; it will still have your touches too. I say, GO FOR IT!!!

if it were me i would just do the cake it is not as if it is for a paying customer it is for a family member and if cake decorators dont want their work copied they wouldnt put their photos on this site...i would be proud if someone wanted to copy my work....anyway are there trademarks on decorated cakes...that is y people post here to give everyone different ideas to use and to get feed back...i say go for it....

Well, you have been kind and pm'd the person which was the right thing to do. However, if you do not hear back from him/her then I would go ahead and make the cake. If you post pictures of your cake just be sure and say where/who you got the idea from so proper credit can be given. We all post our pictures here knowing it is possible for them to be created by someone else so I do not see how anyone could be bent out of shape over their cake being re-created, especially when you have ask first but have received no reply.

Enjoy your nephew's birthday and I hope you make the cake you are wanting to make!

Of course I would give the credit to the original 'decorator.'

I know some people may be upset if someone else copies their cake that is why I wanted to ask for permission. Upsetting anyone on CC is the last thing I want. This place is great.

There is so much talent here on CC. I wish I could make everyones cakes.

Thanks for all your help. I think I will go ahead with the project and keep you posted of the final result.

I do not ask for permission, but give credit to the original maker for the idea.

Stephanie

brides bring me pics of wedding cakes all the time .... it never crossed my mind to contact Bride's Magazine to see if it's ok to make one that looks almost the same.

Make it.

One of my superiors at the church once told me, "its easier to ask for forgiveness than permission." Ohhh sooo true! Everyone on here posts their photos for the world to see, if someone made a rendition of one of my cakes, I'd be honored, not upset. As someone else previously said in the post, you can't trademark an idea. Be creative, and have fun, make the cake! I'm sure your little nephew will appreciate it!

Is this person invited to your Nepheu's party? I don't see the isue...is it about posting the picture here later? do you NEED to post it?

I have saved many photos I found here on CC for future ideas. If I ever made one of the cakes I would definately give credit where it is due. But first....I need to improve my decorating skills

Make the cake, take a pic and show us what you did!!

Ok CC,
So here is the cake that I made.

I want to Thank SheilaF for being so kind and allowing me to use her cake idea for my nephew. He must have been the happiest 3 year old ever.

I also want to thank everyone for all their support.

Loops

That cake is Awesome!! I love it!! No wonder your nephew wanted that one.

You should see her cake. She made her "Thomas"
I purchased mine.

You did a GREAT JOB!!!! Who cares if you bought your Thomas it still looks great plus that way your nephew can keep him.

I agree. Once it's posted, I think it's "fair game". It was nice of you to ask.
Someone copied my duck baby shower cake almost exactly. I dont' sell them anyway, so it doesn't really matter.

That is so CUTE! You did a great job! I'm glad you went ahead and made it - I know I only aspire to make a cake someone would copy!!

fantastic job!

YDG!!!! RG ! ! ! !

Wow - great cake! You did an amazing job.

I am definitely not ashamed to say that some of the cakes on cake central are better than most "professional" cakes I see at shops, or even online. I am forever greatful for the ideas I get from here, and I hope that by using them it is flattering to the original creator...

The Thomas cake is great, my son would adore it!

SO GOOD!

I am proud to know so many talented people.

I too am really greatful for this site as well.

I took a class last Spring but didn't know where to go after that. I mean for ideas and support as my husband wasn't very supportive at first even though it was his idea for me to go and take the class in the first place.

But that is another story. Now he's asking me to take another class which I intend to take but my point is, I wouldn't have made this cake because I don't have that kind of talent.

I can see something and copy it but I don't think I'd be able to get the idea for this cake out of my brain.

So yes! I am very thankful for CC and all the wonderful people on it.

Thank You all for being part of it and for always having positive things to say.

~Hugs~
Loops