What are the rules about using information when you can't buy the book or pattern? Does the knowledge stop or can it be shared?

You can usually buy the patterns or books somewhere, ebay etc.

If they have been copyrighted, you still can't make copies of books & patterns even if they are out of print. You can purchase used copies of the books or patterns. That's why some of the popular older hard to get books are going for so much money.

I believe copyright is held for 72 years or something like that.

Amazon also carries a lot of out of print books from various sellers. You just have to find the quality and price of the book you want. The same copyright rules apply to out of print patterns/books as available ones. As far as how long the law applies.... I really am not sure but believe it does last for a fairly long time.

I have a copyright on lyrics, it is good for 50 years unless things have changed.

ok, I knew it was a long time...lol.

most books/patterns are 72 years, but some can go until 50 years after the death of the last person listed on the copyright!

Thanks Jacque....I knew 72 years came in there somewhere...just couldn't remember where.

I don't mind sharing out of print quilt patterns or books to others. The author or designer is not losing any money if there is no more to sell.