Re: Copyright Permission

On Tue, Sep 29, 1998, Eric R. Levine <elevinsh[_at_]sdsheriff.com> wrote:
>
> I might have written to some of you before, if this is the same letter
> I apologize. I have a problem that I am hoping you can help me with.
> I began scroll sawing about a year and a half ago. I have become quite
> proficient, and turn out quality work. Recently I have had an offer
> to sell some of my work. I told the person (my neighbor) that I was
> reluctant because it might be a violation of a copyright. I take 90%
> of my patterns from a pattern book. I know the author and publisher
> assumes that the patterns are going to be copied and built. The part
> that I am not sure of is if the author and publisher assume the work
> will be sold. When I make my projects, I NEVER say that they are my
> design, I just tell whomever asks that I built the project. I am not
> inquiring because I want to start a business, I just want to sell a
> few of my pieces so I can purchase more wood. I have been told by some
> people that the chances of being caught are so slim that I should just
> go ahead and sell my projects. I wholeheartedly disagree. I love
> woodworking, it is my number one refuge, from the work world. I found
> your addresses in several books, and magazines. I am hoping that one
> of you have encountered the same problem and is able to help.
>
> Thank you very much for your help, and your valuable time,

I agree with you that the author and publisher assume that people will copy and "build" the patterns. If they (author/publisher) have not included a restriction on uses of the patterns in the book itself, you are probably on safe ground selling the things you make using those patterns, particularly if you are not mass-producing them. Even that might be ok. The only "commercial" use I would be uneasy about would be incorporating the patterns into a pattern book of your own.

Jamie Bischoff
bischoff[_at_]ballardspahr.com Received on Wed Sep 30 1998 - 20:22:30 GMT