Screenwriting : I Got a Great Idea from a Television Commercial! by Charles Thompson

"Ethical problems"? You'll never make it in this business. Just kidding. But people get ideas from movies, books, songs, the lives of celebrities, the lives of their friends... this is rarely discussed as an ethical problem. So surely borrowing the central romantic conflict from a Taco Bell commercial is perfectly ethical. I say this of course without knowing the details. I'm assuming you're safe legally as well, but again, hard to say 100% without the details.

... borrowing the central romantic conflict from a Taco Bell commercial...pretty much describes it, but it's not Taco Bell. It would end up appearing to be the direct inspiration for the pilot. So, I guess, I am just concerned that it might not get legs because of the obvious association. Thank you for the feedback, Kerry.

Like most ads these days, the theme of the commercial has nothing to do with the product being sold. So, that theme is what you remember when you think about the ad. The thing about the theme, in this case, is that it is a cliche'. It's not itself an original idea, but it was portrayed in an unique and creative way. I don't think they would have a claim to the theme itself, but my project would certainly be an expansion of their portrayal.