Grovey

Has anyone ever asked the Shakers to build furniture that was inspired by them or copied? I know of a few very prominant businesses who have made their living from copying their designs. If I were to build a table with four legs and a top, is that copying? I have been in the furniture making business for fourteen years and have modified designs, but I can't say I have ever made a piece from a plan to sell. There is so much information and communication in today's world, how can we help but to copy another's work in one way or another? As far as originality is concerned, some things are great designs and should be left as such, copying or not!