Discussion about Patterns, Designs and Copyright

Hello Everyone!

I am not sure if such discussion is permitted on this Forum or not - but seeing that we have such a high-level global audience here, I'd really love to know your thoughts!

I am personally still learning the craft, however I see myself being a leather craftsman, obtaining the required certification and establishing a brand.

However at the moment I do not see myself as a "designer" - perhaps it is lack of experience, but I have difficulty coming up with an entirely unique design - instead I like to look at a product, work-out a pattern for it and perhaps change a few things to my taste (ok, mostly my Wife's taste :) ) and create that.

I see many craftspeople on Instagram who create gorgeous items - and some of them are basically the same as "name brand" products (most of the time even higher quality than the original!!).

So what I'd like to know is as an established brand - what are the ethical/legal views on this?

Is, for example, making a Birkin style bag "copycatting"? Or can it be sold under your own name?

Of course, my dream - as probably most of yours too - is to create a unique design that when someone sees they immediately know who it is made by - but in the meantime a business needs to grow somehow.

Looking forward to hearing from you all on the Forum! :)

Thanks!