The glassmaking empire of Dave Chihuly is embroiled in a legal battle over the uniqueness of his sea-inspired creations. He is suing two other glass artists (one a former employee of 14 years) for imitating his creations.
Karrin Klotz, a copyright lawyer and lecturer at the University of Washington School of Business, said there was precedent for Mr. Chihuly’s claim, that Picasso was able to copyright a mere few lines on a pad because they were so distinct.
more on Chihuly here