Flash media player themed after Microsoft's Windows Media Player

[ell022]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?
California

I have created a Flash media player for my website that has a theme based off of Window Media Player. Is this copyright infringement upon Microsoft's intellectual property? If so, what risks am I taking if I use it, and how much would I have to change to be safe?

Screenshot:
http://img193.yfrog.com/img193/9018/mediaplayer.gif

 

[divgradcurl]

It wouldn't be copyright infringement, unless you actually use pieces of WMP in your flash player. It might violate whatever trademark rights Windows might assert as part of the "look and feel" of WMP. There is no set amount you can change to "make it safe." The only safe advice is to sit down with an attorney, who can review your player and advise you accordingly.