website layout, interface infrigement.

[zf007]

Hi,
I have a database-driven website which dynamically generate thousands of pages which have same page design and layout.
One of my competitors build a similar function databas-driven website and use the similar website design, layout, but didn't copy the same HTML code.

Is this considered a website layout, interface copyright infrigement? Or it will be considered so only if they totally copy the HTML code?

Any chance if a legal action is taken?

thank you for the help!

[zulufox]

I dont think you have a good case... unless your interface is very unique.

[zf007]

thank you,zulufox

[mgream]

Yes, there is a "grey" area in copyright infringement between actual copying of expression itself, and the copying of the style. In between both ends of the spectrum, this area of "look and feel" has to be navigated on the specific facts of the case: how substantially similar are the two versions, and how much degree of freedom was available to the creators (i.e. if they had such a wide choice in doing things differently, why did they choose to substantially copy the same expression from elsewhere).