2007-01-27 16:50:41 · 6 answers · asked by bhlah 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Painting
You can actually patent a technique as long as someone else has already done so. Also if you use a special formula, that can be patented. You can also obtain a copy write on any of your existing artwork. But... if it's really good and unique, there is a good chance that people will copy it anyway, but with a patent and copy write you can prevent people from making money off your creations.
2007-01-27 17:01:23 · answer #1 · answered by Aunt Bee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's a good trick that works for writers trying to make sure publishers don't steal their storylines. Mail a copy to yourself and don't ever open that envelope. For better protection, seal it with something (wax, etc.) to prove it was never steam-opened.
What this does is copyright your work. Once that federal government stamp is marked and processed by US Postal Services (or Canada Post, or whatever country you are in) the envelope and it's contents become legally protected under federal law. If anyone copies the idea, you take them to court, present the envelope with the date stamp showing that you had the work first, and voila! You win!
Obviously you can't mail yourself a piece of art, as that is too big and too sensitive. But thankfully we live in the digital age. Take a picture of the painting (take several..include some shots of the date from a newspaper or something) and mail those to yourself. If anyone does steal your idea you are entitled to 100% of the revenue they make, and you'll have that envelope to prove it.
2007-01-27 16:59:13 · answer #2 · answered by Nathan D 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you post a piece and we'll let you know if you have anything to worry about. Short of someone actually copying your work and trying to pass it off as their own i wouldn't worry too much, but if you really are that worried. Then there is what is commonly referred to as the ''poor man's copywrite''. When you do sell a piece write out a dated reciept. Place the reciept and a photo of the artwork in an envelope and mail it to yourself by ''registered mail''. Keep in mind there is no protection for artist against similiar work or even an idea. If you are just starting out you are going to find out this is the least of your worries, i wouldn't waste too much time on this, go out and find out if your ideas are worth anything to begin with.
2007-01-28 03:57:34 · answer #3 · answered by GUERRO 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a painter. Although a lot of artists would agree that there isn't anything new we can create, for everything there is to bring out as "new' is already under the sun, I feel we all have our own way of expressing our inner world. However, rest assured that even your "style" isn't that unique, our training has been been influenced by the ones we particularly love, and probably they too had the same concerns you do now.
2007-01-27 19:05:11 · answer #4 · answered by ofelia c 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You cannot copyright ideas, nor patent them... the only way to protect some secrets is to just not let anyone know.. like recipes...
but then, once you sell ONE painting.. others will start copying your "style"
2007-01-27 16:57:23 · answer #5 · answered by ♥Tom♥ 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
"You cannot copyright ideas, nor patent them"
uhhh yeah, you can... ever hear of "Intellectual Property"?
2007-01-27 16:59:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋