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Laws on copyright differ in different countries, and the american version is probably the most legalized there is.
In Norway copyright is established simply by creating a piece of work, no matter what kind, as long as it is.
Now, that may seem a bit simplistic to the american mind, but in fact it works quite well. If you feel used by someone, by way of plagiarism or otherwise, you first go to established organisations which deal with such matters, if there is no help, you sue.
Nobody will sue anybody over a 25cm platter of traditional form, no matter how dear it is to your heart, and how many you already have sold: It is too much like something that anybody could come up with, and no court i Norway would consequently grant you "first right".
To get compensation from "knockers off" you need to prove your originality beyond reasonable doubt.
Like I said, creating creates copyright. But: My point is that claiming copyright to any form or article is a bit selfdefeating, or should be. I feel that many "artists" claim copyright and damages on a basis that is too flimsy with respect to the historical overwiew, and use the laws on copyright to run a lot of cases on plagiarism where no such thing is either intended or real.
Any woodturner must have the right to go through the classical forms and techniqes without being afraid of stepping on anybodys toes. All forms must be legal prey for the trainnee or experience-seeking woodturner, without being accused of anything: Namely: As long as he signs his things with his own signature, and in cases where the original idea is clearly derived from someone else, giving credit for the idea to whom the credit is due.
Nobody should be brought to court for wanting to practice and learn.
Bjarte