Originally Posted by MistyMarie
So, if I make a quilt from a pattern and want to enter it in the State Fair or a local quilt show, I have to get permission from the designer to be able to display it publically? Does that mean that quilt store owners cannot put up a display quilt without permission from the designer? So, if I give away a quilt and that person displays it, they still have to research the pattern and get permission if I didn't put the designer's name on the label?
Honestly, what would happen if I didn't? I am not making money off my quilt... at most, getting a ribbon. So, there is absolutely no monotary gain on my part, which would mean that I am not causing the designer a loss of income. If anything, I am putting out their design for others to see, and potentially buy the pattern.
How many of us have posted pictures of quilts we have done and NOT credited the designer? Does that mean that every picture on this board that has not done so is violating copyright? I have purchased at least half a dozen patterns I would not have had I NOT seen someone's quilt on this board. That is free advertising for those designers. For them to say, "NO" would be like shooting themselves in the feet.
Misty,
You can absolutely enter a show, or post pictures of any quilts
you have made without the permission of the designer. And
you are absolutely right - it is great advertising for the designer.
In fact, just this morning I received a call from a woman in
another state wanting to purchase one of my patterns. She
had been at a retreat all weekend and another lady was making
a quilt from my pattern. This woman saw it, liked it, and
got my info so she could contact me to purchase it. If she hadn't
seen the other lady making my pattern, it would not have
resulted in a sale for me. Quilter's sharing their work, and
things they are working on is a great thing for everyone,
including the designer.
As I have read many of the posts in this tread, I am seeing
a lot of misinformation about copyright law. My hope is that no
one will get scared of posting pictures, sharing their quilts,
entering shows, or even putting their work in a quilt shop.
The biggest thing is just don't make photo copies of a pattern
and pass it out to a class, or a bunch of friends - instead tell
your class or friends where they can purchase the pattern if
they like it. That's the bottom line. Otherwise, please feel free
to continue sharing pictures, etc. That's a good thing and not
in violation of copyright law.