Re: Why don't we swap things?

It hinges on how you define a chart. If you define it as a piece of paper with markings on it, then selling or swapping is fine because you are not creating a new instance of the piece of paper with markings on it. If you define what is being sold as essentially a license to create a piece of needlework, with instructions attached, then any use that results in more than one copy of the finished needlework is a violation. I think more people subscribe to the former interpretation than the latter, but there are those in the latter camp, as you will sometimes see if you read the fine print on the charts.

Best wishes, Ericka

True. Point taken.

Joan

Funny analogy. But copyright on artist materials is different than on durable goods - like a shirt. All that is licensed on the shirt is the logo, cut, etc. Which is why you can't make a copy of it yourself, and go sell it.

I think that some people feel that designers make little enough, and the swapping thing may not be in their comfort zone. But, the last official writing that I read said it was fine to resell used charts, as used charts, etc.

Personally, by the time I'm done with any, even using working copies, they're rarely in shape for anyone else.

Ellice

As far as the copyright laws [here in Canada] apply to selling, trading, or swapping patterns/charts, it would only be some form of infringement if you were to do so with copies and not the original copy that was bought at the craft/book shop [unless you are the designer].

The law assumes any book/chart/pattern you own as an asset and any asset can be sold or traded as the owner sees fit. It is the same as any painting you own, you can't make copies without breaking the law but you can dispose of the original as you want. And just like paintings, you can price it at any second-hand price you want even if that is more than the original cover price as they do with the paintings that are sold at the big auction houses. The copyright law only deals with making copies, using the patterns in commercial use, or using a design without permission in a form not included in the license, not with selling/trading the original book/chart nor with the second-hand pricing.

For an idea of how the pricing works, watch programs like the antique road show. It all depends on the market for the items and not the maker. Then also places like EBay, or second-hand bookshops would not be able to do their business legally when they sell used books.