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Everything On This
Site Is Copyrighted
2004 - 2011 by Forever In Stitches or the respective copyright owners. This includes all:
- Text,
- Designs,
- Products,
- Pictures,
- Quilts,
- Patterns,
- Designs,
- Products
- Everything!
Therefore, do not copy, print, download, capture
or store any item on this site with the end result being the creation of a copy, facsimile, duplicate, reproduction,
replica or replacement of one of the items shown, in whole or in part. For example, copying, printing, or just viewing patterns
to determine how the item is made for you, or someone else to reproduce it, in whole or in part, is an infringement
of a copyright.Someone went to a lot of work, required
talent, and possibly expense, to create or make an item, and therefore they own the item in all respects and
have the right to earn money for their effort and, at least, be paid the courtesy of asking for its use. Looking at it another
way, if their time and inspiration are worth nothing, then why would anyone want to copy it, let alone
look at it? Introduction To Copyrights In General I am not a lawyer. However, the information
presented here was obtained through discussions with paid lawyers and through www.copyright.gov I compiled this page after noting the increasing number of very detailed copyright notices appearing in quilting publications,
noting successful legal action taken in regarding quilt copyright violations, and observing clubs copying and transcribing
copyrighted patterns for use in club functions.
Background A copyright is used to protect a form
of “Intellectual Property”. In other words, it is a way of protecting the time, effort, creativity and cost that
has been invested in designing and/or building something: something physical and not an idea. By its very nature anything
made or written has an inherent copyright. However, some people want to protect their creations because they make their living
by creating. They do that by placing “copyright” or the symbol [© or ( C )] on their product. Sometimes
they simply put their name and date on the item. They can also file a copyright with the government, which correctly implies
that copyright laws vary from country to country. You may believe that some quilters do not care to protect their creativity as they look upon
it as a hobby, gift, or something to share. Beware that they may not agree with your opinion, or they may change their mind
when they discover how special their creations are. Do not be the one they take legal action against to protect their creations. Which Type Of Copyright Is Better? If
something has a copyright, a symbol, the date, or no notation on the item, they all are treated the same. In the event of
a conflict the resolution depends upon the date of its proven creation. This can be done by any number of ways: copyright
date, government copyright filing date, awards, newspaper articles, pictures, and the like. Why Copyright Quilt Patterns Contrary to my first impression, not all quilters can match fabric, envision combinations, calculate requirements,
create pleasing geometric patterns, make patterns, sew beautifully, make quilts etc. My wife can, and I certainly cannot. Often quilters look at an $8.00 pattern
as if it took only a few minutes to prepare. I can guarantee you that even the ones scribbled by pencil on paper took much,
much longer. If you want beautiful quilts, then support those who have the creativity to give us what we want. Support those
who design them. I realize this goes against the desire to get something as cheaply as possible. You must realize, however,
that misusing copyrighted material does not border on theft, it IS theft and you are being tempted to become the thief. The Result of Copyrights -
When you buy a pattern
from a shop, then you have the right to use the copyright.
-
When you buy a pattern from a shop,
then you have NOT purchased the rights to copy it [the “copyright”].
- You alone have the right
to make quilts from it.
- Your friends do not have the right to make quilts from it.
- Your
club or guild does not have the right to make quilts from it.
- Your class does not have the
right to make quilts from it.
- You may have the right to sell the pattern, but those who buy that
pattern from you do not have the right to make quilts from it, even if you give the pattern to them.
- You do not have the right to swap your patterns or trade them in any way.
- You cannot photograph
a quilt and make a copy of that quilt.
- You cannot download illustrations, patterns, or pictures of a quilt
and make copies of those quilts, unless specifically authorized in writing [which can be on the web] by the copyright owner.
- When
you receive a quilt pattern free of charge, it does not give you the right to distribute it to others. It is the copyright
owner’s choice as to how it is distributed, not yours. Free patterns have their economic payment in that you have been
rewarded for visited their web-site, store, meeting, class, or any number of things.
- You
must read the copyright wording. Some copyrights:
- Limit how many quilts can be made from it.
- Require labels to be put on the quilt.
- Require that the quilt is only for your use and cannot be sold.
Photographic Implication of Copyrighting Photography is prohibited at many quilt shows and
in our shop. The reason being is that many photograph the quilts so that they can make the quilt without the pattern. Even
if the intention is otherwise often later the person who took the photo, or a friend, uses the photo to make a copy of the
quilt of the item.Ask
before “shooting”. Often people buying a pattern want a picture of the sample quilt to help guide them in their
assembly of the quilt.
Licensing Buying a copyrighted item, for example,
provides you with a “use license” to use the item in an intended way [e.g. you buy a pattern to make a quilt]. Often the copyright has wording is more specific [e.g. as to the number
of quilts that you can make or quilt labeling requirements]. This further restricts you in the use of the item. The very
fact that you have opened the packaging indicates that you have agreed to the terms of the license agreement, whether you
have read it or understood it. A copyright holder can
issue different types of licenses. For example, Disney may license their designs/logos for home embroidery sewing machines
and clearly state that items made with that design cannot be sold. Disney can then sell the same design for manufactured
T-shirts, pencils, stickers, and so on. The reason is simple, they have sold the same design to others for inclusion on
specific items for resale.
Likewise, some quilt books are very particular about the number of items that can be
made with a design, whether or not they are sold or donated, and what the label on the quilt must say. In a similar manner,
you may be offered a "free" copyrighted pattern for providing a service such as visiting a web-site or attending
a class, or going to a given quilt shop. Just because you have possession of the pattern does not transfer ownership of
the copyright to you and you cannot copy it or pass it around to your friends.
Want To Use A Copyrighted Item Of Have Questions About a Copyrighted Item? If
you have questions about the limitations on a copyright, then contact the copyright holder and ask for written permission
[emails are usually acceptable]. For example, quilt patterns often limit the number of quilts that can be made as the remuneration
to the designer should be quite different if you buy 1 $8.00 patter to make one quilt for your child,
as compared to your quilt club using the pattern to make 100 quilts regardless of whether they are to be used for charity
or not.
Trademarks Trademarks are
methods of name recognition by companies in addition to their legal name. These are also
intellectual property and are protected from misuse. Raggedy Ruth Designs, Perfect
Corner Ruler, Perfect Corner Method, and the Sister's Choice block in the color scheme
used on this page are trademarks of Forever In Stitches, LLC.
Want To Know More If you desire more detailed information,
contact a qualified copyright, intellectual property, or similar attorney.
Our License For Long-Arm Patterns
Raggedy Ruth Designs Copyright & License Agreement
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