HN Explorer

Ask HN: Is it okay to copy someone else's idea?

20 points by dmragone ↗ HN
Sometimes I see a Show HN or product launch and think "wow, I'd love to do something like that", perhaps as simple as changing the target customer.

Is it okay, for example, to take an idea aimed at developers and build something almost identical, but selling to designers? If it's pretty obvious the author of the original idea plans to expand in that direction, am I crossing the line by jumping ahead and trying to get there first?

17 comments

[ 2.6 ms ] story [ 41.2 ms ] thread
jonny_eh
It depends on the idea and how much you copy.

But it's probably moot anyways since the chance of success are so low.

frank_boyd
Of course that's ok.

Nothing is ever entirely new. Everything has parts of other things in it.

akulbe
Oh yeah... besides, the prevailing wisdom is this: execution > ideas.

Most people talk up an idea, but never do anything with it. Talk is cheap.

cryptos
Copying was and is one of the most fundamental processes in human culture. You have learned to speak by copying! The "intellectual property" propaganda is a relatively new and artificial construct.
idlehands
akulbe has hit a couple of important points. Just because someone thought of something, or even made a thing, doesn't mean they own the idea. If you copy their exact execution, shame on you. Otherwise, go for it. On paper, any social network is the same thing. But we don't use friendster anymore.

IF it seems appropriate to give credit to someone else for inspiration, go for it.

Just remember, the market will determine the winner. Effectively, that's really all that matters.

viennacoder
Sure, that's fine. Don't do a wholesale copy of he execution though -- you'll never win if you're always a step behind.
cprncus
"Copying" and "almost identical": No. Lame.

"Adapting" and "significantly different": Yes. Reasonable.

collyw
Say I am designing / building a database for work. If I want to clone that (and make it more generic for a wider audience). Are there problems with that?
illyism
Depends on your contract. But usually yes.
Jemaclus
Generally speaking, yes, that's a problem. If you're targeting a completely different audience and you use 100% new code, then you're probably fine, but the specifics really depend on your contract and the kind of people that run your company.
ragatskynet
Forget the word "copying". Let's call it "reinventing".
andrewhillman
Just about every technology is based on previous art.
zinx
That's what is evolution, no ?
wikwocket
A number of prominent HNers would be all to happy if you copied their ideas, business models, or execution techniques. Many of them have blogs that are essentially, how to launch a business just like this in N easy steps. Some of them will even answer questions and coach you if you ask nicely.

That said, it is probably polite to not outright copy. For example no one likes the sites that mimic Stack Exchange's layout and even copy their content. Similarly if you copy someone's idea, market, and business model wholesale (without asking), perhaps expect some flak.