There is a current thread unravelling on this ng about plagiarism. IMO, it is pertinent, timely and thought provoking; the type of thread that makes rcw endure repetitious banality, spam, trolls, fools and the mean of spirit. There is some good stuff for woodturners there.
There was a time when woodturners were few and far between. Membership in guild-like organizations with rules of behaviour and a stamp of quality similar to the good housekeeping or underwriter's "seal of approval" might have protected turners and buyers alike then. Not now. Turners and consumers are too diverse and widespread and the craft is too easily taken up for ethics, or quality to be regulated or even desired by the majority.
OTOH, we are and will remain minnows in a big pond. You think otherwise? Ask at the next club meeting about rcw or any other forum and see the blank stares. Ask at a museum or art show about AAW or GMC and see what you get. Most all public places and upscale homes are devoid of our art and our treen isn't used in their kitchens. You think our leading lights are household names? Ask around. It's ... who?
Is there a point to my musing? Not really. Although it's fine to cuss and discuss our pleasures and problems among ourselves, there is a life outside. In the greater arena, I suspect that, though important to us, claims of originality, legal protections and ethical behaviours don't count for much. Patent claims and copyrights, moral or otherwise are mostly hunting licenses in the small business of woodturning.
So what!
Turn to Safety, Arch Fortiter