Originally Posted by PatriceJ
techniques are not protected by copyrights.
if a person want to retain exclusive rights and control of a technique, it must be patented.
I'm not so sure. Copyrighting an idea (like sewing two pieces of fabric together): I just don't think you can do that. Strip piecing, chain piecing, rotary (speed) cutting are all techniques. I do not believe they can be copyrighted or patented. Add to that applique, fusing, hand basting: these are all methods/ techniques. If these were "protected," then none of us would be quilting.
You might as well decide to patent breathing.
Now if you create a unique machine, say one that weaves your fabric from leaves collected from your yard, and you can create a working model of it (and you may be able to get by without the working model), and you do the proper research to make sure nobody else has patented a leaf weaving machine that has a resemblance to yours, Then I believe you can patent it. If someone else has patented a leaf weaver, you still MAY be able to patent your design, but if I were you I would consult a lawyer on the details.