CroPro Comment by Barbara Worn-Wurtz on August 4, 2012 at 6:22pm

There is nothing new under the sun-I don't understand that either. Everytime I do something I think is really unique, about a week later I come across the same thing in a magazine or online! I think its a matter of lack of exposure & youth.

BossLady Comment by Laurie Wheeler on August 8, 2012 at 10:52pm

Patterns are not patented, they are copyrighted. You raise a good question. In fact, the patterns your grandmother used were copyrighted as well. The designs themselves are not copyrighted, but the photos, instructions and layout of the pattern are. It takes many more hours to write a pattern than to make the project and the copyright protects the author and the people who create the printed material so they can be compensated (in what ever form they choose) for their efforts in producing the pattern. 

CroPro Comment by Barbara Worn-Wurtz on August 8, 2012 at 11:25pm

That's interesting Laurie. I think the original question was also asking (in a round about way) was that if a pattern her grandmother used was copyrighted back then, then how can another person copyright the same pattern years later-is there a time limit on this type of copyright? Or maybe I'm missing the entire point-which is very possible!

CroPro Comment by Sara - momwithahook on August 9, 2012 at 12:43am

Is it the way the pattern was presented copyrighted? A grandmother may have used a pattern copyrighted back in 1950 but the design in a pattern released today with specific instructions, photos, charts, tips etc would be copyrighted separately. If the younger crocheter would copy word for word including charts and photos than that is illegal. 

Selling finished pieces from a pattern is something people get confused on. I'm currently in a discussion with someone about this very topic. 

CroPro Comment by Barbara Worn-Wurtz on August 9, 2012 at 1:50am

This whole topic is fascinating as well as confusing-I'd love to take a class-like the recent Shibaguyz online conference- that covers copyrights as well as contracts and rights to sell finished pieces-it would be super interesting. Maybe our Fearless Leader could check it out (hint hint!)

BossLady Comment by Laurie Wheeler on August 9, 2012 at 1:35pm

Hi Barbara et al, Sara covered things really well.

I'm hoping to have a copyright lawyer come speak to the CLF Pros at some point. After Reno, I will start looking for someone to give a class on the subject. But, really, the copyright has nothing to do with say a shape of a garment or a design itself, because frankly there are only so many ways to make a sweater or a dishcloth, square is square and round is round, it's all in the language used, photos and descriptions written.

CroPro Comment by Barbara Worn-Wurtz on August 9, 2012 at 4:31pm

Thanks Laurie-that would be great!  I guess I'm just really paranoid about the possibility of inadvertently using someone else's design. I struggle with this when I'm working on a submittal and then see something similar online-If it's an idea that was inspired by another designers' work-I usually just let the publisher know where my inspiration came and hope that's sufficient.

CroPro Comment by Barbara Worn-Wurtz on August 9, 2012 at 4:50pm

Sorry-I hit the wrong key before I finished- Anyway-I didn't really understand that the copyright relates to the language, photos, descriptions rather than the design itself-I think I may have been limiting what I submit due to a lack of understanding of what an "original" design constitutes- thanks to Sara & Laurie for the valuable info!

Member Comment by Boocoos on August 11, 2012 at 8:41pm

To All of you. Please see my blog's latest post and let me know if any of you have ever seen THIS STITCH. It's titled TRULY ORIGINAL because I believe it is. Dare you?

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