just_the_scraps_m'am

i have an old pattern from years ago and i would like to share
with others. isn't it possible to share it as long as i don't profit? or do i still need permission from the maker or what?
i would be willing to bet the copyright ran out on this one!!!
thanks ahead of time for your participation--i think i will research this further.....

butterflywing

i would check with patrice on this one. she's knowledgeable about this stuff.

dunster

The copyright extends 50 years after the maker of the pattern dies, so chances are your pattern is still covered. Whether you profit from it has no bearing on the copyright. You need the permission of the person who holds the copyright to make copies. (That's kind of what the word "copyright" implies.)

However... you can legally sell or give the original pattern to someone else (without keeping any copies, of course).

This is the best explanation I have found concerning copyright: http://www.quilt.com/FAQS/CopyrightFAQ.html

Quilt Mom

Thanks for the explanation!

BellaBoo

If there is no copyright symbol or copyright statement on the pattern then you can share.

just_the_scraps_m'am

thanks for your help

dunster

I don't think this is true. A copyright doesn't have to be applied for, or stated, for an author's works to be protected.

BellaBoo

I was told by a lawyer that if the creator did not protect the work it was free game. I think lawyers all have different views what is and isn't law. Seems that way sometimes. I think common sense went out the door in our courts long ago.

memathomas

what pattern is it???
mema

Admin

This is most certainly not true.

Uncle Sam disagrees with your lawyer :)

http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/fa...al.html#mywork