annemarcellis

The short answer is: Whenever you show or distribute the pattern, always have the copyright symbol on it with your name and the year, like this:

© Leslie Frost 2012

That shows the world that you believe that you have the right to control your pattern.

Next, to secure your rights, you need to file a copy with the US Copyright Office. You can find their website at www.copyright.gov. They have some explanatory info there, and it is possible to file a copyright online. There is a fee, I think it's $65, but you'll have to check on that.

If you are interested in publishing your pattern, I checked this book out from the library, and it seemed very thorough. It also discusses copy right issues.

http://www.amazon.com/Publish-Patter...0467207&sr=8-6