Floral Shop Claiming Intellectual Property and Exclusivity
Hi there.
I’m a florist in Chicago. The shop I’m working under requires fun and funky projects. After years in healthcare and ignoring my artistic talents, I’m finally back in the game.
We sell candles that required a display. The owner gave the idea. I put it together. It was with less costly materials and very little time.
Someone came in and asked to buy a display. I was under the impression that they weren’t for sale. As for their usefulness, these expensive candles kept falling out of it and braking. I offered to commission a similar but better piece for the woman.
My manager (it’s just my manager, myself, and a coworker in the shop front most of the time) found out that I took it and asked the owner if “we” were allowed to do that.
The answer was no; that we could only do commissions through the shop; and with zero specifications as to how or with what materials.
I came home extremely upset- as this was told to me as we were leaving. I feel creatively boxed in with this situation. We’re a trio of extremely creative and artistic folks. If this woman wanted something that the shop couldn’t offer, I don’t see why I can’t do it.
My style of art is also generally more “extreme” than the store would like to promote- though this is a take piece.
Is this legal? What is happening? What can I say to the owner to let her know that I’m not okay with this without losing my job?