Copyright Policies
CinDWood Pattern Copyright Policy
All patterns submitted by a designer must be their own creative work. Any accusations of copyright infringement will be reviewed on a case by case basis with the pattern in question being reviewed against the disputed pattern. We will compare both patterns to see if copyright violation has occurred according to current copyright laws that we have been able to access.
We have found through our research that a pattern created a specific way with a specific order of stitches can be copyrighted but an idea of garment or project can not be.
Using ideas, information, techniques and methods.
"Copyright does not protect ideas or information. Nor does it protect styles or techniques or methods. Copyright protects the way in which an idea or concept is expressed – for example, as a drawing, or a piece of writing.
Therefore, if you are simply using someone else’s idea, information, technique or method to create a garment, you will not be infringing copyright. For example, the original idea of making a swimming costume in two pieces was not protected, but it is likely that the first bikini and the pattern for that bikini were protected as artistic works. Also, while a particular pattern for flared pants may be protected, the general idea of pants being flared is." not. file:///C:/Users/CinDWood/Downloads/Sewing%20and%20Knitting%20Patterns%20(G039v12).pdf
"A sewing pattern may also be protected as a literary work in that it will likely contain written instructions, but UK courts have also considered a sewing pattern (which typically includes cut out templates, illustrations or photographs) to be an artistic work.
It is important to note that copyright protects the way in which an idea is expressed – for example in a particular drawing or piece of writing. Copyright does not protect information, ideas, styles or methods, such as a particular type of stitch or ribbing, or the idea of a polo neck.
Fashion, by its nature, commonly borrows influences and aspects of others’ designs. This subjective element may often make it difficult to determine, in the context of documents detailing how to make clothes, whether there has been substantial copying amounting to copyright infringement. If in doubt, it may be wise to ask the copyright owner for permission or seek legal advice, or both."https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/copyright-notice-knitting-and-sewing-patterns/copyright-notice-knitting-and-sewing-patterns
Using the above guidelines and the rest of the guidelines in the attached documents we will decide if patterns are originals or not. Knitting patterns are a combination of different stitches, gauges, techniques that then create a project. There are many ways to create a scalloped shawl, beanie, or other project and though the end result may create a similar idea this does not mean the pattern is breaking copyright law. No patterns on our website are breaking copyright law to our knowledge. Any patterns that are found to be breaking copyright law will be removed immediately.