Dear BettyGee,
I think you have been very brave for starting this thread. Nobody likes to admit to mistakes no matter how innocently made. But if we don’t say anything then how will others avoid making the same mistake?
First of all I am not a lawyer/solicitor, but my late husband was an author and illustrator with over 30 books published with major publishing houses and I can tell you, that the majority of people do not understand copyright. (That is why I have a lawyer). BTW, did you know you can’t copyright an idea or a title?
The internet if full of mis-information often written by people who are not qualified to give advice. (Me included!)
Because copyright differs: from country to country; by medium (print/recordings/video); copyright terms – years in effect from publication date and/or from death of creator; overlap in design, trademark and patent. It is a legal minefield. Copyright infringement is a complex business and often expensive if there is a dispute.
Most Governments have the information you need on their own websites (however you still need to be a lawyer to understand it all).
There is a mistaken belief that just because the book/magazine is out of print, sold out or the creator has died - copyright doesn’t apply. In many cases it still does. Some of my husband’s books are out of print but I would be seriously upset if someone else distributed/copied or used his work without my permission. The publishing house that still has distribution rights would be ticked off and the lawyers would be delighted!
For those thinking about become designers and selling - copyrighting a quilt design is going to be very difficult – unless it is so radically new and innovative. I had come across this link only a couple of days ago. It is well worth a read.
http://www.bravelittlechicken.com/qu...the-law-series.
However, the one aspect of copyright infringement that I find more offensive and outrageous is when someone tries to pass off another designer's work as their own and makes money off it. The words fraud and theft come to mind.
The majority of people in the creative community are respectful of others work and want to encourage others.
HettyB