design copyrights

[wood4tom]

Hello Carvers,
I have a question concerning selling carvings copied from a book of patterns which I bought. Is this legal? Is it ethical? I think it would be ok if I changed the design slightly.
Thanks for your help.

Tom in NC

[sbirkes]

I had much the same question with some patterns I bought off of the internet for use. A lawyer checked it out for me and said I was OK since they were patterns meant to be followed and used to produce an end product. No limitations had been stated with the purchase. I would have problems reselling the pattern itself but what was produced from the pattern in this case was safe.

As far as ethical goes I would consider it ethical as long as I didn't claim the designs to be mine. To be considered mine I would want to be able to say the original was my inspiration. The design would have to be changed enough that "no reasonable person" could see that one sprang from the other for me to consider the design ethically (or legally) mine. (copyright law)

[Mottles]

Tom & Steve, the Pyrography & Woodburning Forum on this site has a good discussion on copy write law take a look.
Question about Copyright Infringements
Maybe this will help.,
Kathy

[Ashbys]

If your selling the carving , your not selling the pattern.

Selling your work (the carving) should not be restricted.

If you sell the pattern that you used to make the work, that is infringement.

Simple answer but you should read the link Kathy gave.

Ash