Copyright: Five facts every scrapbooker needs to know!

by Antuanette Wheeler

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 you inspiration 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

Copyright 2004 Antuanette Wheeler www.misstonigifts.com

Please Note: We are not, (and as far we know) neither is the author of this article. This article is not, and should not be construed as legal advice. Please consult an attorney should you need advice on copyright or any other legal matters.

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