Copyright

[TX Woodchip]

I'm kind of new to this scroll sawing and I've gotten hooked on cutting puzzles. I have seen the term " for personal use" when referring to patterns but does that also refer to cut pieces from the those patterns? In other words can I sell a puzzle cut from say a pattern in one of the puzzle pattern books on the market. I've seen both yes and no, so which is correct. I would just like to supplement my SS income, not get rich.

[c_lang]

In general speaking, both is correct, meaning your can and can't. For the most part I've read and got from reading articles on this topic that "for personal use" is for the pattern, meaning that you can't sell the pattern or distribute it, but the finished piece in 90% of the cases you can sell. Unless you plan on say mass producing pieces you should be okay. A good idea that I was told a while back and have read on fourms is that if you have any questions about the selling or using of someone's pattern, then get in contact with that person and ask, most, or the one's I have had contact with, will be more than happy to work with you and in the cases I've dealt with were thankful that I had the respect to ask and had no problem with me selling the finished pieces. Another thing I've read and do on my pieces, is that if I use someone elses pattern I usually stamp on the back of the piece the pattern designer. In general, if it isn't specific on wheather you can sell the finished piece or not then you should be okay, I mean, that's what most people get the patterns for. Here is a link to a case that should help you and back what I'm saying: http://www.michbar.org/opinions/distric ... /22676.pdf You can also find a great article that Travis has on here under the Wiki tab I believe. Hope this helps.

[Christina]

Chris is exactly right on the money. As a pattern designer myself, I don't mind anyone selling what they make from my patterns. I don't put for personal use on most of my patterns........it's just pretty much a given that if I share a pattern that I agree that you can sell whatever you make from them, you just cannot sell or share the pattern with anyone without my permission. I also allow people to modify my patterns for their own use........for example add or remove elements to create a different pattern. As long as I get credit I have no problem with it.

 

Some pattern designers don't necessarily agree with this. So it's always a safe bet to ask first. Most times they will be happy that you had the courtesy to ask and will have no problem with it. And while most don't ask you to give credit to them on your cuttings, it's a nice thing to do.

 

I think if you are going to share FREE patterns then you should allow folks to do with their cuttings what they want to...........but again, not everyone agrees with this.

 

And most important.........share pics of your cuttings of a designers patterns! It really makes our day and makes us feel like what we do makes a diffference!

Christina