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-   -   When am I infringing on copyrights (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/when-am-i-infringing-copyrights-t136204.html)

dohogn3764 07-08-2011 07:01 PM

I saw this really cute infant blanket with (6) block sizes of 8" X 8" and some borders. I could not find the name of the pattern. However, I did figured out the pattern and made it with different measurements. At what point
am I infringing on the copyrights of the designer.

Help!

auntpiggylpn 07-08-2011 07:02 PM

That's a discussion that comes up frequently. . . I don't have a clear answer but I'm sure someone on here will. ...

cjomomma 07-08-2011 07:07 PM

I have often wondered this too! Sorry I don't have an answer for you.

MelodyWB 07-08-2011 07:07 PM

I do that all the time..if you copy it as is.. then post it.. to sell it.. as your own.. that's infringement..squares belong to everyone..like the "Log Cabin" it's public domain..if u were to see a design using the Log Cabin and copied their design and not give them credit..that's infringement..hope this helps a little !!

BellaBoo 07-08-2011 07:35 PM

Any one that uses EQ software reconstructs quilt blocks of all kinds. No instructions how to piece the blocks so no copyright issue.

Holice 07-08-2011 08:09 PM

difficult to answer without seeing or having described the design. It's guessing in the dark.
Where did you see the design etc.
Not enough information for an informed answer

ckcowl 07-09-2011 02:36 AM

you are infringing on copy rights when you use someone else patterns then display or sell the quilt without asking for permission.
there is *built in* permission to make a quilt for your own use- or to give as a gift- if you want to sell it you need to ask-
if you want to enter it in a show you need to give credit where credit is due- and it is best to again-ask for permission-
some times you will come across a pattern that will say you can make up to ...5 quilts with this pattern to sell-
or some other- added permission- but on the norm- you should just contact and ask- it's not hard- and unless you are mass=producing the quilts most of the time the designer does not mind- as long as you remember to include the designer on the label.

dohogn3764 07-09-2011 02:44 AM

1 Attachment(s)
I am going to try to add a picture
for verification

QuiltingGrannie 07-09-2011 02:50 AM

It's very pretty!

Lindsey 07-09-2011 02:53 AM

I don't think you are infringing if you make up the pattern yourself from just seeing her pattern. If you copied someone else's worded pattern then you would be infringing.

fabric_fancy 07-09-2011 02:54 AM

i wouldn't think that was infringement since all of those blocks are in the pubic domain and you've changed the size.

k3n 07-09-2011 02:57 AM

The copyright is in the written pattern itself, NOT the technique. As has been said, thse blocks are public domain so I think you're good to go without worrying.

Shelbie 07-09-2011 03:16 AM

This is why copyright confuses quilters. We all understand if you copy a pattern exactly and don't give credit or try to pass it off as your own that you are infringing. It's when you change the dimensions, make your own version or change it in other ways that is confusing. I think it doesn't matter if it is for personal use or for a gift. If you are displaying it at a show, the designer should be credited. As for selling it, just don't even go there! Your quilt is very eye catching. Good job.

Holice 07-14-2011 03:50 AM

It is my opinion that the design was from a pattern and carries a copyright. It is not the individual stars that would be the issue but how those stars are grouped together in a final piece. Questions here are: where did you see the quilt. Did you make a picture of it. What do you intend to do with the finihed produce you have redrawn. There was a recent case where a quilter who makes quilts and sells on the internet would take pictures seen in shows and then go home and duplicate. She thought making a few changes would override the copyright but the quilts were still very distinctive and recognizable from one designer.
BIG trouble with the designer as well as book publisher etc.
So the question again is what are you going to do with the finished product. If wrapping your baby in it or exhibiting for competition, selling etc etc etc. So depending on these situations might be safe to try and find the origin of the quilt. It appears to be "original deign" to me.

iluvmycats 07-14-2011 09:41 AM

I just love your star block. Could you share if this is one you made up or is it available in a quilt pattern? Thanks for sharing, Nancy

costumegirl 07-14-2011 09:50 AM

Very pretty!! These designs have been in the public domain for a very long time and there are thousands of ways to arrange them together. I have seen many that are similar to yours and some of these quilts are over 50 - 60 yrs old. Check out the quilt museums' data bases and you will find lots. I wouldn't think that there is any infringement on your part.

gaigai 07-14-2011 09:59 AM

This is the best website for information about quilting and copyright. It will answer all your questions, and correct some of the misinformation that has already been posted here.

http://www.tabberone.com/Trademarks/...Quilting.shtml

dohogn3764 07-14-2011 03:20 PM

I am new to quilting (not sewing). I ask because I did not
want to infringe on anyones territory. I do not remember
where on the internet that I saw this but really liked it. In making this for my grandaughter for the Fourth of July, it
was for personal use only.

ghostrider 07-14-2011 03:53 PM


Originally Posted by gaigai
This is the best website for information about quilting and copyright. It will answer all your questions, and correct some of the misinformation that has already been posted here.

http://www.tabberone.com/Trademarks/...Quilting.shtml

Actually, the best website for information on US copyright law is the US Copyright Office itself at http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/. The site referenced in the quoted posting is opinionated and onesided. It is maintained by eBay sellers, not attorneys.

ckcowl 07-14-2011 04:08 PM

you are infringing on someones copywrite when you copy their design and (pretend) it is your own- by either displaying or by monetary gain- without obtaining permission from the designer-
you can sew a bunch of blocks together in any layout you come up with and use it- it is yours- if you use some one'w pattern you should give credit where due(add the pattern source to your label -and do not display it at any shows or sell it or even donate it without asking permission first.

Originally Posted by dohogn3764
I saw this really cute infant blanket with (6) block sizes of 8" X 8" and some borders. I could not find the name of the pattern. However, I did figured out the pattern and made it with different measurements. At what point
am I infringing on the copyrights of the designer.

Help!


Mattee 07-14-2011 05:42 PM


Originally Posted by ghostrider

Originally Posted by gaigai
This is the best website for information about quilting and copyright. It will answer all your questions, and correct some of the misinformation that has already been posted here.

http://www.tabberone.com/Trademarks/...Quilting.shtml

Actually, the best website for information on US copyright law is the US Copyright Office itself at http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/. The site referenced in the quoted posting is opinionated and onesided. It is maintained by eBay sellers, not attorneys.

I agree! Always go to the US copyright site for accurate info.

If you intentionally copied someone's design, I would consider your quilt a derivative work. It would be appropriate to purchase the designer's pattern, even if you made changes to dimensions, borders, etc.


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