![]() 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. 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.įashion, by its nature, commonly borrows influences and aspects of others’ designs. 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. A knitting pattern may be accompanied by charts, illustrations or photographs and those features would likely be protected by copyright as ‘artistic works.’Ī 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 does not matter that a pattern may be made up largely of numerals rather than words. That document will almost certainly be protected under UK copyright law as a ‘literary work’. How does copyright protect knitting or sewing patterns?Ī knitting pattern is essentially a set of instructions on how to make something, commonly a garment of clothing. Information on the various forms of design protection is available or through contacting the Intellectual Property Office. They can be protected for up to 25 years subject to payment of renewal fees. UK registered designs do allow for the protection of patterns in respect of dress making and embroidery and surface patterns. It does not therefore protect 2D items (such as a sewing pattern) and surface decoration. The UK unregistered design right protects only the shape and configuration of an article. Two-dimensional works (written instructions, diagrams, drawings etc) are typically protected by copyright, whereas designs law generally protects works in three dimensions. What about unregistered designs?Ĭopyright Notices focus on copyright issues, but it is worth noting too the role of designs law in this context. ![]() However, as explained below, there are circumstances where it is not necessary to obtain permission from the copyright owner, for example where permission is implied or where a particular exception under UK copyright law applies. Likewise, as a general rule, anyone who wishes to publish (for example on the internet) or adapt a copyright work would need to secure permission from the copyright owner. ![]() Copying includes any reproduction, whether by hand, photocopying, scanning into a computer, etc. What is copyright?Ĭopyright gives its owner a number of exclusive rights, including the right to control how or whether a copyright work is copied – either the whole of the work, or a ‘substantial’ part of it. Some of the information in this Notice will be relevant to comparable activities, such as cross-stitch and embroidery. copy from a physical item (such as a dress or jumper).sell an item they have made from a pattern, whether in a shop or online or.copy the written instructions (a pattern).This Copyright Notice responds to issues commonly raised by individuals and small businesses relating to knitting and sewing, such as whether or not it is permissible to: ![]() It is not a conclusive view of the law – only a decision of the court can provide that. This Notice is not meant as a substitute for legal advice on individual cases, but it can help readers understand some of the issues involved. Copyright Notices are published by the Intellectual Property Office to help explain specific areas of copyright law in the UK.
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