copyright laws are written in such a way they can be [without nefarious intent] interpreted [or misinterpreted] ad nauseam.
one law + 50 quilters + as few as 2 lawyers = 1,572,645 opinions.
add one judge ( and possibly + one jury) and the possibilities cannot be calculated by anybody without Phds in Math, Physics, and Theology.
For quilters, I think it boils down to a few essential questions that can easily be answered:
- Is it already in the Public Domain? (having been posted to the internet does not automatically toss something into the Public Domain.)
- If it is not in the Public Domain, did I design it myself?
- In the case of patterns - whether free or purchased - did I write, illustrate or publish the pattern myself? (patterns based on blocks in the Public Domain are still protected by copyright law. The author and/or publisher spent time and money creating, printing and distributing the pattern.) I can legally and ethically make my own quilt without using that pattern based on blocks in the Public Domain. What i cannot do - either legally or ethically - is use a "bootleg" copy of that pattern or give somebody else a "bootleg" copy of it.
- Will my chosen action(s) interfere with the creator's ability to generate income from the pattern?
If you really can't figure out what's legal, chicken out and walk away.
If you don't know what's legal but you do know what's right/fair/ethical, then do what is right, fair, and ethical.
If you don't know right from wrong, or don't care then you are a lost cause on many levels.
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- necessity is the mother of invention. lazy is the crazy aunt.
