24 Feb 2008 12:33:15 | Antuanette Wheeler
Copyright: Five facts every scrapbooker needs to know! September
15, 2004
Copyright...five facts every scrapbooker needs to know!
Copyright laws can be really confusing and complicated for the
scrapbooker and the myths and falsehoods about what is okay and
what is not only makes matters worse. I'm not a lawyer and I
don't even play one on TV, but I've been reading and studying
copyright law (especially how it applies to scrapbookers) for
many years now.
I became interested in copyright law when I started creating
Paper Piecings to sell on eBay. I wanted to make sure that the
sets that I was making weren't breaking the rules. I also wanted
to know the rules about my original designs and how others can
and cannot use them.
Here are five basic things that EVERY scrapbooker should know
about copyright:
#1--When you create an original scrapbook layout, card or other
project (not from a sketch, scraplift or idea book) you
AUTOMATICALLY own the copyright. No, you don't have to add a
copyright notice. No, you don't have to register your layout
design with the government. Tip: Adding a copyright notice or
watermark image to your original designs is a good idea if you
plan to share them online. It helps to remind everyone that your
artwork is yours.
#2--In order for a work to be protected it must be original and
created by the designer or artist. The work can be similar to
existing works but not an exact copy. Chances are if you see a
project in an online gallery, in an idea book or hanging in the
store, that project has copyright protection. Tip: It is always
better to assume that the project is protected and ask for
permission to use the design than to assume it is just okay to
use it.
#3--Since you own the copyright, only YOU can reproduce,
distribute and adapt the design. Did you know that copying an
image from the internet to your computer is considered
"reproducing" the design and is violation of copyright
protection laws? No, just because the image is posted on the
internet doesn't mean it is "fair use". Tip: If you really want
a copy of another person's layout or project, just email and ask
them...don't assume it is okay because it is the same thing as
stealing!
#4-- Scraplifting is a term used to describe seeing ideas
online, in idea books or at stores and making projects based on
those ideas. The resulting layout can look a lot like the
original or may end up being just loosely based on the original.
This is not violating any copyright laws. Tip: These projects
are in the stores, magazines, and galleries to give
youinspiration for your own personal scrapbooking, but not to
sell or profitfrom in any way.
#5--Some of the ways that scrapbookers and scrapbooking
companies violate copyright protection laws (knowingly or
unknowingly) are:
Making copies of patterns for friends to use.
Right-clicking or saving images from galleries to their
computers.
Scanning printed design fabrics to print and use on layouts.
Using another’s words on their projects or in articles they
write.
Using a protected font to create alphabet letters, stamps or
other items to share and/or sell.
Remember to think about copyright laws the next time you are
ready to create a new project, layout or article. Keep in mind
that violating another person’s rights is not only illegal but
also unethical. Always remember the Golden Rule…Do unto others
as you would have them do unto you!
Helpful links:
This link provides easy-to-understand copyright information for
knitters, but also applies to other crafts, including
scrapbooking.
http://www.girlfromauntie.com/copyright/index-lite.asp
This link is the be-all, end-all of copyright information! Be
sure to read the question and answer sections!
www.nolo.com
About.com gives some great, helpful advice for copyright
protection and some other links.
http://scrapbooking.about.com/library/weekly/aa032701a.htm
About Author :
Copyright 2004 Antuanette Wheeler 
