copyrights?

[tigermom]

How long does a copyright last. I can't find any of the lollipop lane dolls that are still being printed. They are all discontinued. I know they sell them on ebay but my question. If a pattern has been out of print for a number of years. How long before the copyright is up, so the pattern can be copied? thanks

[mikki]

You could try this http://www.copyright.gov/records/cohm.html the system isn't available atm so idk if this helps or not.

[ErinLindsey]

(I used quotes for the next sentence because I copy/pasted this information from http://www.copyright.gov )

 

"works created after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years."

 

(this is the direct link where I got the information so you can read more about it)

http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-duration.html#duration

 

Here's another link with some good info too. http://www.unc.edu/~unclng/public-d.htm

 

Works done before 1923 have mostly become public domain, but not all of them, you have to make sure the copyright has expired before you can make copies of a pattern that you believe has become public domain.

 

Just because a crochet pattern is out of print does not mean that it's become public domain...something that a lot of people dont understand. (especially eBay-ers who sell copies of patterns)

 

Out of print does not equal public domain.

[tigermom]

Thanks for the info. I guess they covered all bases by putting the plus 70 years in!