Copyrighted pattern?

Question

If a sewing pattern is copyrighted, does it mean that you can't resell the pattern as yours, or that you can't make something from the pattern (using your creativity as far as fabric and color selection, seam methods, etc.) to sell?

Answer 1

Here is my understanding: To be positive you would need to contact the pattern company and/or a copyright attorney.

1) You can use the pattern to make yourself/family/whoever the item (i.e. for personal use).

2) you can charge for your time using the pattern for another person, if they purchase the fabric and such and pattern, but don't sew. This also falls under personal use.

3) You can change 20% or more of the pattern into your own design and use it more freely ... this can be a shady area, with percentages varying.

4) said patterns are marketed "for personal use only" and "not for commercial use", which would indicate you cannot use the pattern as is and sell clothing made from it.

5) Said pattern cannot be represented as your own.

Answer 2

First let me answer by saying that usually some pattern books will tell you in the book some place if you can use their patterns for personal use only or if you can use them as things to make and sell as well.

If it doesn't you should contact the owner of the pattern for permission.

If you make your own pattern without using the pattern or using it as inspiration this maybe a right to sell as you wish.

Don't forget that some copyrighted fabrics arn't eligible to be resold or sold for profit in made items with it. Usually in the salvage part of the fabric it will have a copyright symbol followed by the maker.
Alot of people don't know this untill they are slapped with a lawsuit or much less usually a warning and a cease and desist letter first. Which is becoming more popular and common since crafting for profit is more popular and especially since more of the craft-selling movement is online, from ebay to etsy. It is easier to track sellers and gain proof this way than before.


Good Luck.

Answer 3

I always look at the pattern as a suggestion guide. I imagine that the copyright refers to the actual pattern itself, meaning that you can't make copies of it and sell as your own pattern. you paid for the rights to use the pattern when you bought it, so I do believe that anything that you make with the pattern doesn't fall under the copyright laws.

Answer 4

you can sell something made in that pattern, but as for the pattern it is not for resale. You should be fine as long as you are not copying patterns to sell. you are aloud to make as many things as you would like for resale. I hope this has helped you. gl

Answer 5

I'm pretty sure that it means both.
maybe, if you credit the designer. But I really don't think so.
Nah, not even it's like the same thing with music cd's.
you can buy them and play them at home but you can't copy them and then sell them to people.