Thank you so much for clearing this up!!! I found it really strange that some public makers would claim copyright on their crochet patterns that I have seen in circulation for years, not to mention for free! It seems more of a deterrent for other people not to make those patterns to sell. I would understand a really unique item, but for a common pattern, doesn't make sense!
Hi, Kiffanie! I'm a law student and I'm researching this very topic because I'm a crocheter/knitter/cross-stitcher myself! I'm researching how pattern authors can protect their patterns from piracy. There are many patterns that are claimed and sold by pattern pirates. They often steal the photos and patterns in their entirety. I understand photos are copyrightable, but not patterns. My question is: In your video, you mention that a pattern designer could possibly protect themselves by inserting a contract for the sale of the pattern and thereby issuing a license for the sale of the finished good. How can you license something for which you don't have a bundle of rights? Would a contract for the sale of the pattern be enforceable if it says they cannot claim the pattern and sell it as their own? Thanks!
As I say in the video, I agree! The pattern itself isn't protected by copyright. But the illustrations or photographs contained in the pattern likely have protection. (But even those don't extend to the object displayed in the illustration/photograph, it would just cover the photograph/illustration itself.)
@kiffaniestahletheartistsj.3746 hi I'm confused what is a pattern? And what images? And what's the object? Say if there's instructions in how to make a jumper, is the actual jumper design copyrighted? Can anyone rewrote instructions in how to make the exact same jumper design? Is the object here the jumper?
Thank you for going over this very helpful
Thank you for this simple, straightforward explanation. Can’t wait to hear your take next week on licensed fabrics.
So glad it was helpful! Is there another topic/question you'd like me to cover in an upcoming episode?
Thank you so much for clearing this up!!! I found it really strange that some public makers would claim copyright on their crochet patterns that I have seen in circulation for years, not to mention for free! It seems more of a deterrent for other people not to make those patterns to sell. I would understand a really unique item, but for a common pattern, doesn't make sense!
Hi, Kiffanie! I'm a law student and I'm researching this very topic because I'm a crocheter/knitter/cross-stitcher myself! I'm researching how pattern authors can protect their patterns from piracy. There are many patterns that are claimed and sold by pattern pirates. They often steal the photos and patterns in their entirety. I understand photos are copyrightable, but not patterns. My question is: In your video, you mention that a pattern designer could possibly protect themselves by inserting a contract for the sale of the pattern and thereby issuing a license for the sale of the finished good. How can you license something for which you don't have a bundle of rights? Would a contract for the sale of the pattern be enforceable if it says they cannot claim the pattern and sell it as their own? Thanks!
You can NOT copyright patterns.... Tabberone.com. They went to court and filed lawsuits.
As I say in the video, I agree! The pattern itself isn't protected by copyright. But the illustrations or photographs contained in the pattern likely have protection. (But even those don't extend to the object displayed in the illustration/photograph, it would just cover the photograph/illustration itself.)
@kiffaniestahletheartistsj.3746 hi I'm confused what is a pattern? And what images? And what's the object? Say if there's instructions in how to make a jumper, is the actual jumper design copyrighted? Can anyone rewrote instructions in how to make the exact same jumper design? Is the object here the jumper?