Oh, dear! Here we go on this subject again! Not your fault, but here is the deal as I see it. There are four patches, 9 patches, 16 patches and 36 patches. There are half square triangles and 1/4 square triangles. There are rectangles, squares, hexagons and other polygons. There are circles, ovals, half circles and arcs. There are as many appliques as there are tangible and imaginary plants and animals. Probably there are other geometric and artistic elements that I have missed. There must be infinite ways to combine these elements. If you buy a pattern and it is copyrighted, which it probably will be, and if you follow it exactly, give credit to the pattern maker for the instructions if it is a geometic quilt. However, remember that the pattern maker did not invent squares, circles, rectangles, etc. If you are using someone's original applique pattern--you traced it and then sewed it down as I intend to do tomorrow--give credit for the art work and the instructions. For goodness sake, everyone, quit worrying over someone's trying to copyright a 4 inch square, e.g. froggyintexas