I have been a 'hobby' relief woodcarver for many years, but now have time on my hands to do some serious carving. Consequently I would like to better understand the copyright laws. For example, on page 20 of February's Wood Carving Illustrated there is a pattern for a lighthouse. It states that I may have 10 copies for personal use. My question is...can I carve patters such as these and sell them, or is that a violation of the copyright laws?

Shirley

Hi Shirley I think you can sell the carvings but not the patterns. Check out their web site carvingpatterns.com to be sure. P. S. my wife grew up in Salem. Ron A.

I'll start this off with the disclaimer that I am not an attorney and the following is based on 10 year old knowledge. Depends on what rights the copyright owner wishes to retain. Can vary from everything to nothing. It gets doubly confusing when the author retains certain rights and the publication reserves others. In general it is copyrighted unless it was created with public funds (federal govt funds) or the author specifically places it in the public domain. Try calling 1-800-688-9889 (Federal Information Center) and once you get through all the nonsense request the copyright information booklet (it's free, or at least was).

Hello Ed,

Thank you for the information regarding copyrights. Is is indeed a confusing subject. ??? I'll take your advice and get the pamphlet!!!

Shirley

[Texas_Jim]

Shirley,

You are a better carver than I am. Nobody has ever accused me of reproducing something from one of their patterns. However, most of the time it comes so much better - ha, ha.

Hi Jim,

Thanks for your reply regarding copyrights. Don't know how good a carver I am, but I didn't want to make any mistakes about ownership. I'm self taught, but have been carving relief pieces for my family and friends for over 30 years. Now I want to see if I can actually sell some carvings.

Again, thanks!

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Not a lawyer either, but the way I understand the copyright business is just that 'copy', even if I get an idea from someone or something I always change it and make it more to my?? what? style? lol anyway I don't want to 'copy' anything, just use the idea and do your own ....

There is a 'fair use' clause in the copyright law that allows for copying a portion of an item for limited use as long as you cite the source. But 'fair use' does not cover anywhere near a whole item. How much it does include is not clearly defined. It's always best to request permission if there is any doubt. Chances are nobody will come after your, but you can never tell. I like to live dangerously, but I pick my spots.