Can You Copyright Your Design?

by Debra
(New York)

In the past I've created a unique design, which sold well at a craft show.

I showed up at another show and noticed that one of the other designers had copied my design.

She had copied it exactly! I didn't say anything, but she knew that I knew.

Is there anything that an indie designer can do to kind of protect her creative designs?

Thank you,
Debra

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Can You Copyright Your Design?

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Sep 14, 2009
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What are Starter Links 4 USPO?
by: wirebodyart

Hi Anonymous & Katie!

Thanks for the easy steps to file a simple copyright solution on LegalZoom.com.

Katie, do you have the time to post 2-4 USPO links? Whenever I've gone to US Patent Office website, I get completely lost!

I'd greatly appreciate your help posting a link for us for:

- general craft artisans categories
- a link listing wire jewelry design submissions in the craft sub-categories
- a link for forms pertaining to jewelry design submissions and
- the best link explaining how to submit a patent.

Thanks!
Juli ;)

Jul 11, 2009
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Copyrights
by: Anonymous

I had the same problem when someone copied my work.

I did not mind so badly that she copied. It was the fact that she stated that it was her design.

So, I got my designs copyrighted at LegalZoom.com and it was $150.00 total and I could have as many items as I wanted.

It was really easy and if you have questions you can call them or email them.

Disclaimer from admin: This is not an endorsement of legalzoom. We've never had any experience with them so the advice above is the writer's and how-to-make-jewelry.com takes no responsibility for its validity.

Mar 21, 2009
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PROTECTING YOUR COPYRIGHT
by: Katie

Yes, in the U.S., since the late 1970s, when you create your design it is automatically copyrighted.

Unfortunately if you rely on common law copyright and have not registered it with the USPTO.gov, then you may have a very difficult time proving it is your original design.

You may also have a more difficult time proving it was not in the public domain.

Some producers of written or drawn works will mail themselves a copy of the work, using the postmark on the unopened envelop as proof of date of origin.

Of course here the key is not to open the envelope, saving that for if and when you may have to prove through court action that the design is indeed yours.

The safest way to protect your (c) is to register it with the US Patent and Trade Office (uspto.com).

It's been a while since I registered a copyright with them, so you'll have to check to see what the rates are now.

Sometimes people will respond to a simple cease and desist request, but you may also need to make the request in writing and/or get an attorney involved.

Good luck, and hope this information helps.

Katie
http://fireblessedart.com
http://twitter.com/fireblessedart