Without speaking as an expert, because, I'm not, I think a copyright is good for 75 years. If that is correct, how does one ever find out about the age of a pattern? Assuming that you have no idea who was even the original designer? There are variations galore on some patterns, but who can say that theirs was the first? For the time being, I may stick to simple things that we all know are old. For example, Ruby Short McKim featured patterns in the fore runner to Better Homes and Gardens, and she has been gone a long time. She designed in the 3o's. I know her heirs still sell some of her patterns, but can one extend a copy right or is it good only in the original designers lifetime? More confusion :?