One at a time...

 

It's a pretty simple symbol.  Most of us know what it means. 

cop·y·right, noun.

The legal right granted to an author, composer, playwright, publisher or distributor to exclusive publication, production, sale or distribution of a literary, musical, dramatic or artistic work. 

But not everyone... including one particular woman ~ sorry, I refuse to call her a "lady" ~ who is a Seller on eBay.  This "person" has decided that it's just fine, right and dandy to provide "free patterns" with some of her quilting auctions.  These "freebies" include quilt patterns and stitchery patterns.

While some of the patterns are mine, her generosity includes the "works" of at least eight other people/companies.  The problem is that it appears as though many of her "free patterns" are photocopied from actual patterns, books and magazines, which means they are done in clear violation of the copyrights of the authors.

Remember that soapbox I clambered onto last week?  Stand back, I'm jumping back on...

I am not going to identify this person and, yes, I have filed a couple of reports with eBay for those listings ~ past and present ~ where I can identify what is clearly a photocopy of one of my patterns.  And, yes, I have contacted the other pattern people I've seen to alert them to the "potential abuse".  (First clue to the abuse ~ the Seller couldn't afford to be  giving away so many copies of the patterns if they were legitimate.)  I will tell you that the gentleman I spoke with at eBay was very kind, very helpful, and I think there is a chance that "something" will be done about it.  (And if eBay doesn't take any action to stop this person, I will be sure to identify the Seller here.)

Before I continue, let me emphasize that I am certain that this kind of person/Seller is in the minority.  This Seller is overwhelmingly outnumbered by the many wonderful, ethical Sellers on eBay.  And eBay does what they can when they find out about copyright violations ~ but they can't do anything unless they hear about it.   

What probably bothers me most is that I've always had a fairly relaxed policy about making copies of the patterns for your own personal use or even to share with a friend.  I still believe in that ~ though there are a few folks who disagree with me on that.  But this is clearly a violation and this Seller has to know that.  I'm sure she thinks she is circumventing the copyright laws by not actually selling the patterns, but she's wrong.  And so you know, this Seller has been with eBay for many years and has a 100% positive feedback rating. 

Here's the reason I decided to post about this ~ if any of you should ever buy/receive one of my patterns that you think might be an "illegal copy", please let me know!  From eBay, from a quilt shop, from anywhere... I want to know about it.  And I can say with 100% certainty that every other quilt pattern publisher/designer also wants to know about it!  The only way we can stop the handful of people who abuse the situation is to know about it. 

(On a sidenote, there are probably a few of my patterns that might look like illegal second-generation photocopies but aren't.  Sometimes the copier gets a little smudgy and the copies aren't perfect.  And there are a couple of covers that I ran out of and have had to photocopy... if I'd known they were going to keep selling like they do, I would have reprinted but I keep thinking "this is the last of it... that's a really old pattern!"  So if you have a Flies in the Barn, Sweet Emma, or Luci in the Sky cover that looks like a photocopy... sorry about that.)

And thank you to the very nice lady who alerted me to the problem.

Okay... I'm done venting.  I have to go calm Rosie down... she's snorting and growling... she really wants to hunt this Seller down.  It's bad enough this person had to annoy me... she's gone and ticked off Rosie! 

Oy vey... there's going to be #(*&$ to pay for that!  :)

I'll end this on a happy note... this is Jackson Maitre. 

 

A little over a year ago... he's much bigger now.

 

Okay... I feel much better now.  :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

P.S.  Two things I'm adding on Tuesday morning... this whole thing with the Seller is more annoying than anything more than that.  I promise that I'm not losing any sleep over it.  The sad reality is that I know that copying of patterns happens... there are always those who look to get something for nothing.  

Thing number two ~ Jack is my friend Sue's little guy.  He is over 1-year old now and he's weighing in at 80 pounds... that is, when he'll get on a scale.  He pancakes himself on the floor of the vet's office when he sees the scale... bad news for you, Jack, it doesn't work.  Been there, done that.  He's funny, rambunctious, and a total hoot.  Sue keeps asking me if I think he's going to grow out of some his crazier behavior and I just tell her... "Rosie was almost nine when she ate a watch..."

Hasta luego... 

Comments

[Kelly Ann]

As a shop owner this is my biggest and I mean BIGGEST pet peeve of them all. I've been know to call a customer out with others in the store. I recently found out that our local guild was making copies of a pattern from a book...talk about hitting the roof...grrrrrr. I've contacted the designer of the book and left it in her hands, don't want to be a tattle-tail but this is taking money out of the hands of the designers and I'm sure you're not getting rich off of these things.....grrrrrrrrr...okay enough of the growling, the girls, like Rosie are starting to pace and now they're ready to join Rosie in the hunt for that ebay seller.

[Wendy]

I'm sorry that this is happening. So many people just ignore copy right and think that once they have a copy of a pattern it's theirs and they can do what ever they want with it including distribute it. I've really appreciated your allowing some leeway with your patterns Carrie. I own several of your patterns (well a lot more than several) but for the most part I only share them in the finished projects that my daughters quickly claim as theirs.

[Deb]

BQFF, thats terrible. You are such a generous person and I cannot understand how people can abuse that generosity. I really hope the seller stops doing what they are doing or at least contacts you in an attempt to clarify what is allowed to be done, but they had better stop, absolutely not fair.

[auntiepami]

I totally understand. It is stealing. Period.

So, who is this cute little guy?

[Ann in NC]

I hate to hear that you and Rosie are upset, but rightfully so. I remember reading the copyright info on the first pattern of yours that I bought, and thinking what a nice gesture to say, sure, go ahead and make a copy or two. I haven't on any of your patterns in "the collection", but that made me really want to support you because you were being so generous to us.

[Barb]

As a online shoppe owner, I agree with you. It is totally wrong! Having previously worked in a Quilt shop, I do know it happens all the time. I'm just not sure how to stop it. When a customer wants another pattern they have just purchased for a friend, you are some grateful. There are still alot of honest people out there. For this we must be thankful. Keep up the amazing work you do. See you in Houston. Can't wait to see what you have for us.

[Lisa D.]

It must make you sick in the pit of your stomach to come across something like that - to see someone blatantly STEALING from you, and that is totally what this bogus seller is doing. I hope ebay shuts her down. This is your livelihood, for heaven's sake! And yes, who is that cutie pie puppy?

[Lori]

I ahve seen that beore and wondered how they get away with it. It's not right at all!

I can see how you'd have a smile after looking at that pooch.:)

[Elaine]

Completely agree with you being upset. This is your business and you need to pay your bills just like the rest of us do.

[Vicki]

Wow, it's pretty unbelievable what people do. The copyright isn't exactly a new and unheard of thing either. I've always thought your copying policy was extremely generous and have mentioned it to many people over the years as an example of how nice you are. I suppose there's always someone to spoil everything, isn't there?

[Nicole]

How can people be so dumb? Of course they are going to be caught and stopped. It is so wrong.

OK. So, who is Jackson Maitre? He is extremely adorable and looks like he may even be a good dog, which is unheard of at my house. Tell us more! Does he live at your house with you and Rosie? How come you haven't talked about him before???

[Nicole]

Ahh. So he is Sue's dog? I hope he gets to visit often. I wonder what Rosie thinks of him?

[Kathy]

Who is the little guy? I don't remember reading about him before!

Copyright is a law for a reason. I like your soapboxes...you bring up valid points that shopkeepers and teachers should hit on in classes and just in general.

I hope EBAY gives you justice...

When folks copy without permission, they are stealing a part of you...and it hurts! The heart as well as the purse!

[Nancy]

Go get them Carrie, and when you do, turn Rosie lose on them. Keep us posted.

[Heckety]

Timely reminder all round- thank you! You raise very valid points, sometimes we need to be brought up short and consider our own actions.

[Dorrie]

Some people place little or no value in the works of others. I'd definitely post her identity. . .the more who know and report the abuse the more apt Ebay will be to handle the situation promptly.

[Alicia]

Love the doggies, love your patterns. I'm sure on your side with the copyright thing!

[Mary Flynn]

I HAD (notice word HAD) a friend who would re-write patterns and make them her own....even going so far as filing them in the Library of Congress as her own! She has made a name for herself in the quilt community and just doesn't seem fair she gets away with it. I've cut ties with her...I too had been taken advantage of in this way.

[CJ]

Sorry about your Copyright issues. What a pain. I hope you get it taken care of. In the meantime...there is NOTHING cuter than a Golden Retriever puppy! :D

[Lynda Hill]

People are very hazy about copyright, and you're absolutely right to protect yours. When you've put lots of work into an idea, it's not on for others to effectively steal it!

[nicolette]

I’m a graphic designer and have to deal with copyright on a daily base.
That’s why I often explain to people why photocopying patterns for other people’s use is just not done. So I’m on your sight!

I’m sorry to head your patterns are being abused by an Etsy Seller.