Copyright answers from Interweave

Yea, Interweave Press! If all the recent online hoorah has given you copyright anxiety, Interweave has information you need. And it’s free! Check this message I received from Jaime Guthals of Interweave:

Here at Interweave we weren’t planning on releasing our new copyright for artists and crafters eBook until next month, but upon discovering that April 26 was World Intellectual Property Day, the stars aligned and we were able to get it published. Of course, we don’t need a special day to talk about copyright — this is such an important issue for our industry and we all need to come together to raise awareness about copyright so designers and artists can continue to benefit and profit from their creations. We hope you will help us spread the word about this eBook, which is available for free download in all of Interweave’s online communities

Interweave’s news release adds:

“Most people think of pirated movies or music when they hear about copyright violations,” says Eunny Jang, editor of Interweave Knits magazine. “But we answer questions about copyright for crafters, artists, designers, and authors every day—copyright and other intellectual property issues are a big deal in the DIY marketplace, where the ‘I can do that!’ spirit and respect for original, independent design and authorship need to coexist peacefully.”

Questions around copyright can range from simple queries, like “Can I make a copy of a pattern?” (Answer: For your own use, yes; to give to a friend, no) to more complex issues, like “How can I be inspired by other artists without infringing on their intellectual property rights?” (Answer: By executing your vision independently, and asking permission where necessary).

“Ultimately, copyright is about protecting the creative process, ensuring that the creator of a work can benefit from that work,” adds Jang. “Our goal at Interweave is to educate our consumers about what copyright is, and why it matters—and to give authors, artists, and designers everywhere the tools they need to protect their own rights so they can continue to create new works and share them with the public.”

Update from Jaime Guthals, 5/1/12: The 10-page eBook is available here: http://www.interweave.com/free-ebooks-videos/  Please note that we are updating today one section of the Q&A on page 6 regarding the question, “Can I make and sell projects I found in a book or magazine?” The update will be posted in the downloadable file by the end of the day today.

Thanks a million for your quick response, Jaime!