| To Copy Or Not To Copy | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Copyright Information Every Scrapbooker Should Know | |||||||||||||||||||||||
I frequently get asked questions about copyright issues that relate to scrapbookers. "Can I share a paper piecing pattern with my friends via email, posting on the forum, or photocopies?" "If I got the pattern free on the internet can I make copies of it?" "If I change the pattern a little does that make it my own design?" The answers to all of these questions can be found in the copyright law. When broken down, the essential element is that the rights to copy, sell, and distribute a pattern belong to the creator. Copyright law gives those rights to the author at the time the pattern is created and recorded on paper or digitally. The simple answer to all the above questions is "No." The long answer is wonderfully summed up by Rebecca Sower founder of Bumper Crops. Her designs are sold at scrapbook stores all over the country. I asked her how copyright infringement affects her company and the scrapbook industry as a whole:
I agree that many scrapbookers are simply unaware of how copyright laws relate to their craft. Of course there are others who realize that the patterns and piecings that they are selling on E-bay actually belong legally to someone else, but I choose to believe this is the minority. By learning and following our responsibilities as scrapbook consumers, we will be encouraging the continued production of creative products and patterns. Smaller companies are the ones most often hurt by copyright violations, due to the impact that it has on their bottom lines. These are some of the very companies which keep the scrapbook industry vital and responsive to customer desires. Free Patterns Online and CopyrightThere are literally hundreds of free paper piecing patterns available legally on the internet. These patterns are often provided by manufacturers who hope that by giving you a taste of their products you will become hungry for more. Each pattern online comes with an explanation of the "rights of use" being offered to the scrapbooker. Virtually all of them are for your personal use only. If you have friends that want to use patterns that you have gotten legally for free online, simply give them the web site address where they can find the patterns for their own collection. The added traffic on the sites encourages pattern creators to offer more. Please take the time to read the articles and check out the resources listed below. Becoming a scrapbooker who understands the importance of protecting the rights of designers is important to our craft. Then, come join us on the forum to discuss this topic further. Helpful Articles and Resources:Sharing and
Copying Are Not Your Rights 10
Big Copyright Myths Explained The Copyright Web Site
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Explore Scrapbooking
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
Green Your Clean
Rid your home of grime and harsh chemicals by cleaning with these natural items. More >
Basic Cleaning Supplies
Every home is different, but this basic cleaning supply list is a good starting point. More >
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.