Please note that most of these stitch patterns are not my own, and I do not claim them as my own. Only where stated is a pattern of my own creation.
I am able to use the same idea or techniques to create unique crochet items, as long as I do not duplicate the exact way it is expressed by the creator.
According to copyright law, the following applies:
How could we ever create something new?
Copyright law doesn't cover ideas or techniques, it only protects the particular way an idea is expressed. As long as you do not copy another designer's work, you may use a similar idea or the same techniques to create something new and unique. In a nutshell, you can use an underlying idea or technique, but you cannot copy someone else's unique way of expressing that idea or technique. If you are interested in designing and have further questions, it is always best to first contact a qualified intellectual property lawyer for guidance.
What isn't protected by copyright any longer?
Vintage patterns that have passed into the public domain are no longer protected by copyright. When a work has passed into the public domain, you are free to do whatever you would like to do with it - copy it, sell it, make finished items from it and sell them - whatever your heart desires. There are a plethora of patterns that have passed into the public domain. Go crazy! The only limitation for patterns in the public domain is your imagination. All of the patterns published on Free Vintage Crochet and Free Vintage Knitting have passed into the public domain and are no longer protected by copyright.
Public Domain? What does that mean?
A public domain work is a creative work that is not protected by copyright and which may be freely used by everyone. The following reasons are why a work would not be protected:
1. The term of copyright for the work has expired;
2. The author failed to satisfy statutory formalities to perfect the copyright; or
The work is a work of the U.S. Government.
Click Here to read the complete copy right law regarding crochet patterns.