I like to talk endlessly about anything related to the design and development of websites and mobile apps, technology, and the creative industry, which may tickle your fancy.

Apple recently announced their forthcoming OS, Mountain Lion, which includes plans to replace iChat with an app called Messages. And the sneak peek included a visual of the app’s icon, which happens to closely resemble the icon of a platform-agnostic IM app called HipChat:

The folks at HipChat noticed, and so did their customers who were eager to bring it to their attention. So how did HipChat respond? They outlined three possible ways they could proceed:

1. Do nothing
2. Sue Apple
3. Design a new icon for their own application

Doing nothing results in possible confusion for their customers and the potential that some people will think they stole an icon design from Apple. And who sues Apple? Can you imagine the financial mountain surrounding that one? So they decided they’ll redesign their logo and move on.

Here’s how they explain their decision:

They may just be chat bubbles, but they’re our chat bubbles. They’re on our products, the banner hanging in our office, and the t-shirts we wear every day. But to be honest, I look forward to the challenge of creating something new that will make them think “I wish we’d thought of that.”

They find a way to make an awkward situation awesome by letting it guide them to strive for something better. Now that’s pretty cool.