I have to agree with Toverly when it comes to most designs. But I do think that originality is more obvious in techniques. Of course, for every 'new' short cut or technique that is published or patented, I am sure there are many people who have done things that way for years--just did not advertise it.
How can one make a law protecting 'originality'? If you think about it, if Shakespeare had patented Romeo and Juliet, no one could have legally written another love story. I love the creativity and expression of quilting, but am becoming thoroughly frustrated with the legalese that has reared its ugly head.