Originally Posted by
AudreyB
I would like to teach a class using a pattern that I purchased many, many years ago. In researching the company and pattern for class members to purchase, I cannot find them! I have exhausted all my resources to find them. My assumption is that the creators of the pattern have gone out of business and the pattern is out of print. It was copyrighted in 1995.
Does the copyright law still apply? Can I photocopy the pattern for my class?
Thanks for your thoughts on this.
I designed patterns for 2002 - 2006 and had to stop because life happened. After becoming a professional
pattern designer, I learned a lot about copyright. The fact is that the designer owns the copyright until 70 years after her/his death, and then it becomes public domain. So, yes, the copyright still applies and the patterns should not be photocopied. I, too, am out of business as far as actively marketing my patterns, I still get orders for one in particular, and when I get an order, I fill it promptly. If you have the name of the designer, you might could get in touch with her and she might either be able to send you enough patterns for your class or she might release it to you to photocopy.
Marcia