Well, I suppose you can share if you want. I've shared books many times, as well as CD's. But if it is an artist/author I am especially fond of, I have no problem saying, "Ya know, I would lend it to you, but this is one of my favorite authors/artists, and I really want to support their work, which means making sure they get the royalties they deserve. So I'm going to ask you to buy your own copy." Or I just say "I don't lend books or CD's because I've had too many never returned", or "I'm sorry, it's just too expensive for me to lend."

You shouldn't have to make too many explanations. Friends don't need them and enemies won't believe you anyhow.

It's just the way the law is written. It is completely legal to buy/sell used books and patterns.

"Oh, do you share patterns with others? I'm not comfortable doing that. Professional quilters don't make much money, and I really want to support them where I can."

period.

There are numerous threads on here about copyright laws so you should do a search. If your friend works in a quiltshop she knows the law and knows it is wrong to do this. That is one reason QS's will NOT take back patterns for fear the purchaser copied the pattern. You can legally sell patterns/books you have used but cannot photocopy them for friends.

If she just said "we" could start tracing it, she may have just meant she'd help you. She may not have been assuming she'd get a copy. When you're done with the pattern, I would think you could loan it to her (the original pattern) without infringing on the copyright.

Yup - it's legal. Bellow from Wikipedia. (and BTW for our overseas friends - Wiki mentioned that the EU does NOT have a "first sale doctrine" law).

"The first-sale doctrine is a limitation on copyright that was recognized by the Supreme Court of the United States in 1908 (see Bobbs-Merrill Co. v. Straus) and subsequently codified in the Copyright Act of 1976, 17 U.S.C. § 109. The doctrine allows the purchaser to transfer (i.e., sell, lend or give away) a particular lawfully made copy of the copyrighted work without permission once it has been obtained. This means that the copyright holder's rights to control the change of ownership of a particular copy ends once ownership of that copy has passed to someone else, as long as the copy itself is not an infringing copy. This doctrine is also referred to as the "right of first sale," "first sale rule," or "exhaustion rule."

I'm more comfortable with the whole concept now.

My suggestion to the original poster (getting back to the subject) is if your uncomfortable with it tell her exactly how you feel. Keep in mind that you are receiving a service for sharing the work. Is she a friend that infringes on your good-will often? If so, I too might be reluctant, and instead opt to do the copying at home. If not, I would share on the basis that the service she is offering is worth half the price of the pattern.

So, you would be in the clear to make the pattern and then sell it to her? At that point, what difference would it make if you shared? The designer isn't going to make any more money either way.

It seems that if we are so concerned about designers getting their cut (and we should be so they can keep designing), we should all agree that we won't sell used patterns.

Just realizing the loopholes in copyright laws - I've never really thought about it before.

I agree with everyone's comments.

This goes to the heart of the copyright laws and their issues. It is also shocking to hear from someone who works directly in the industry.

I would not continue the practice (if you have in the past) of using the store's light box in the future even in a class setting. I would get my own to use at home.

I would have a frank discussion with this person. You might also want to have this discussion with others being present. That way you would have witnesses to your conversation with her. You are right in your opinion and stand. I would explain your thoughts to her and say that as a professional herself, you know that she will not take your answer personally. She should want to support the designer and her work and the buying of patterns and books is how that is accomplished. She needs to get her own copy for her own use. If she does hold this against you in your future dealings then she was not a true friend.

Pam M

Which one do you want to keep, your friend or your 12.00 pattern?

Well, if she gave you $6 then she would legally become the co-owner of the pattern, and would then have the same rights as you. :wink: :wink: :wink:

Just kidding, although I think it is a valid point.