go to
http://www.tabberone.com/Trademarks/...t/Cricut.shtml
This website has been around for many years. She has all kinds of information you will find interesting and that might well answer your questions.
Despite what manufacturers(and places like ebay) try to tell people tabberone shows it has been proven in courts not to be true. Its been a while since I read her site but I think I remember that if you get fabric or sewing patterns and make something you own it and can do what you want with it.
Check it out but bring a big cup of coffee, it has a LOT of reading material.