Originally Posted by BellaBoo
I found out the pattern design may be copyrighted but the instructions how to make the pattern cannot be copyrighted! The law is confusing as to what is a useful item. Patterns for useful items cannot be copyrighted. The package the pattern comes in can be copyrighted.
I don't know your source of information, but the instructions are most certainly copyrightable. Anything you write, illustrate, or photograph is covered by copyright as soon as it is made public. The pattern, the design, and any quilt made from either do not fall under the "useful item" category for copyright purposes as has been demonstrated in court casess.