When does advertising “go too far” in referencing art, culture, or sourcing inspiration? Who “owns” a creative concept, and is the very idea of such ownership productive and practical?

In the midst of Super Bowl season — when many of the world’s top agencies release a slew of virtually sure-to-be-seen TVCs — the BBC interrogated the topic of when advertisers “over[step] the mark — particularly when they reference the work of artists.”

It’s a contentious issue, to be sure, and our very own MD, Neil Christie, was duly asked to comment on the BBC story. “It becomes tricky where there are a few sources of inspiration, one of which might be something which was a similar concept to something that appeared in a piece of work by an artist,” said Christie.

This is but a sliver of the story, which you can read in full on the BBC website. Delve into the debate and comment below to share your thoughts.

Calling all those creatively minded who would like to walk in Dave Kennedy's shoes. Our W+K co-founder Dave is a larger than life spirit known for his left-field thought tinkering, insightful art direction, and signature shaggy beard. In the spirit of this fearlessness, W+K London and W+K Amsterdam are each searching for six of today's brightest young creatives.

The Kennedys — not to be confused with the sitcom of the same name! — is a creative incubator program hosted here in our W+K London agency for the first time this year — and now for the sixth consecutive year in our Amsterdam office. Our very own Executive Creative Director, Tony Davidson, aptly describes it as a "crash course in creative chaos" — a chance to dive into the deep end of our cultural pool. From June to the end of the year, the chosen candidates will work as a 'shop-in-shop,' tackling real agency assignments and briefs under the guidance of our innovative, driven team.

It's an opportunity for movers, doers, thinkers, schemers, and plotters of all persuasions — from animators to tech developers and everyone in between — to grow and flourish at our agency and produce tangible work. In our search, we're widening the proverbial net: the final six may not have any agency experience, or have worked in a communications role in the past. It's vision and a unique point-of-view we're after, allowing us to cultivate the freshest new talent while learning from them at the same time.

Entries for The Kennedys are open now until 15 March to candidates eligible to live and work in Europe. Think you fit the bill, or know someone who does? Visit www.thekennedys.nl for more information, and to apply.