Are animation styles protected by copyright?

Are animation styles protected by copyright?

IsometricRobot's picture

simple question right? I have been searching google for an hour or so and found nothing that comes close to answering this question. Does art done in the same style as someone else constitute copyright infringement in an entirely original and unrelated work? This is not reusing characters or reusing already drawn art. This is about producing completely original art in a simular style. Is there a difference between imitation (copying someone's work) and and emulation (being inspired by it)?

 

Still researching on my own. Anyone's opinion is greatly appreciated, a legal source even better :D