Basketman

I used to write books with directions and everything had a copyright along with a warning that any woodworking injury that resulted from using this book for other than a guide was not my fault. The bottom line is that if someone wants to sue you over a hangnail they can and there is likely a lawyer that will take the case. I get why artists and others who make their living designing and selling patterns need a copyright to save them from gross exploitation, but I always thought those "warnings" were mostly created to make the person on the end of the finial purchase and possible production to think about some form of ethical behavior. I also get why copyright laws are so complicated...it creates jobs within their profession to just enforce the laws and that creates job security, others to teach those laws and so on. I think we all know that copying something from someone else and handing it out, or even worse claiming it as our own is intrinsically wrong, even rotating a block and then trying to sell the pattern is more than just a "dicey" idea. Use this as a guide....if you have doubts then don't, if you buy something with the intent to distribute and it is other than M&M's then don't, if you make your living selling quilts... I believe designer's already know and intrinsically accept this is part of their doing business and just as long as you do not have a sweat shop cranking out dozens, you are likely not ever going to see a quilt police person at your door. Yes, we have certainly become a litigious society and we all should act responsibly...the one thing I am grateful about is that the seething anger that seems to have invaded our roads and much of society has not become rampant in quilting and hopefully "quilt rage" will never makes the national news

quiltsRfun

That's what I was thinking. I think anyone who reads that would be afraid to make one of her quilts. Heaven forbid you gave it to someone who accidentally includede it in a photo they posted, whether intentional or accidental.

QuiltingVagabond

I think the article which started this topic is no more than the OPINION of the author.
While she may have had some success in protecting her copyright I think she is wrong to say any quilt made from her design cannot be displayed publicly without her permission.
What is the purpose of making a pattern if you don't want quilters to buy it and make it?
I also think it an error to make it a sticky as that implies it is the "final word" or is more accurate that other information found here or on elsewhere.
I do always enjoy the lively discussions that the topic of copyright creates!

patricej

most of what is being worried over and fussed about in this thread is, in fact, nothing to worry over - let alone fuss about.

just do a little reading.
there are plenty of reliable resources available.
that's all it takes.