But in the board surfing community, it's simply a "shape"  No local shaper would have a problem with a person bringing them a WRV, for example, and copying it for them; nor would anyone else, including WRV.  Everyone knows that different designs perform differently in different conditions, and will surf differently depending on who is on it.  It's no secret that EVERY kayak shaper/designer has taken aspects of proven hull designs and made them their own, up to and including total ripoffs.  If anyone denies this, I will call them a liar, or simply uninformed.
       In kayaks, hull shape is only half the equation;  How the water flows off the deck has a tremendous impact on performance, and While I've seem close resemblances, only one Total ripoff of a full shape comes to mind, ok 2, neither of which are available in the USA.
     I work in the  boatbuilding industry, (bay,flats,offshore etc...) and while the law states that a design must be changed 10% to be considered new,  I've seen that law "bent" quite a bit when it comes to hull shapes, and noone gets their panties in a wad.
     I understand how a shaper coming up with a design would feel ripped off, seeing his design on another craft, but odds are, he/she took that shape from someone else themselves.  Kettle, this is pot.

Gordon