what is lionbrand's policy on using their patterns for commercial purposes?

Question

I have looked all over their site several times, but can't figure it out. I have considered e-mailing them, but every time I try that with other companies, I -never- get a response.

I make things (cards, jewelry and such) at home and sell them. Is it okay for me to make some things from LionBrand's knit/crochet patterns to sell?

I read this: "No pattern or other material may be reproduced"... it sounds iffy to me. Is it that I can't print the pattern and give it out/sell the printed pattern? Or does that include making something from the pattern and selling THAT? Some of the things I've seen on that site I've seen a million other places, too.

Answer 1

According to the terms of use at lionbrand.com, "You may not modify, rent, lease, loan, sell, distribute, or create derivative works based on [the Lion Brand Yarn website] in whole or in part."

If you need clarification, call them 9-5 M-F (eastern time) at 1-800-705-8636.

Answer 2

At the bottom of their patterns page it states:

Copyright ©1998-2007 Lion Brand Yarn Company, all rights reserved. No pattern or other material may be reproduced -- mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying -- without written permission of Lion Brand Yarn Company. If you would like to send a copy of this page to someone, click here and we will be happy to do it for you.

Also check out this part of the site:
http://lionbrand.com/content-terms.htm

If in doubt, email them, it's better to try and fail contact than to be sued.

Edit to add: You can only assume that if they require registration to get the patterns and they have disclamers, that they don't want you making things from their patterns to sell in mass quantities. Your best bet is the email them. Or you can pose the question to a lawyer, someone that can read through the legal speak and tell you exactly what you can get away with.

Answer 3

As long as a pattern isn't copyrighted, as in saying "All rights reserved" next to the copyright bug it is ok to make the things and sell them.

Mostly tho I would not make copies of their patterns for sale!! They want everyone to buy the yarns in order to get the patterns.

By the way: I think copy right laws are being infringed every day. Some companies surf the net looking for patterns they can steal and put their name on then say you can only make the thing for your self. Some patterns have been public knowledge since I started knitting and crocheting around 50 years ago. These were taught to me by my mother, grandmothers, neighbors, etc.

Answer 4

You can't make copies and sell the patterns but you can sell items made from their patterns as long as it isn't a huge production deal. At least that's what most yarn patterns say.

Contact the company and tell them you intend to make items from their patterns and sell the items. If they have any objections to let you know. Otherwise you will assume that is permissible.

Answer 5

#2 is correct. If you want to sell something, it needs to be your own design.
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