mkleathers Report post Posted August 25, 2011 Hi, Recently I ve been asked to "make exactly that sheath as mr X did but in black". Since I know that mr x can make more of those sheaths I replied that I can make something similar but different. My question Id like to ask you is how do you feel about "borrowing" designs and projects from other makers? Even if Im asked to make something in style of "someone" I try to add or change few details that would make the project different, mine. First thing that comes to my mind is, dont do it. Be creative. Find your own style. If someone came up with something, respect that. If a customer wants the same thing, he should go to the maker and ask for it. On the other hand, with so many leather workers, designs are bound to repeat themselves. Another thing is that there are icons in leatherworking, for sheath making for example Paul Long and Bob Loveless whose designs are vell known and you often hear "make me a P Long style sheath" and somehow it feels ok. Its like hearing that you want Victorian table in your kitchen. Im writing from sheathmaker point of view, but I gues it coresponds with other branches as well. Tell me what you think. Mat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted August 25, 2011 Check out the thread called "copyright infringement" on this site, it covers a lot of the possibilities and issues we run into. In a nut shell, there's only so many ways to wrap something in leather, so don't worry about copying a type of style. If you start using others' patterns, logos, names, etc., then you can run into problems. Asking for something that is a copy of, and sold as , copyrighted goods is asking for trouble. A well used example is Harley Davidson gear- You can make a tool roll, and even put the HD logo on it (personal use), but if you make one with the logo and sell it as a HD tool roll, you've committed infringement. *Note: I'm not a lawyer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
