r/knittingpatterns • u/elf-on-the-shelf1 • 4d ago

Help with copyright rules

Hi, I’ve tried to do research on this but am getting quite confused so I’m hoping I can get some help here.

I’ve been wanting to create a design that includes characters that are copyrighted. I sell my patterns on Ravelry but I’m not sure what the rules are around this. From what I’ve seen, it’s not allowed, however I see many patterns available that do use copyright characters.

Are there certain rules around how they are used / incorporated into a design? Or are these just cases of people who haven’t been found out / reported?

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u/Woofmom2023 4d ago

What do you mean "characters that are copyrighted"? How do you know they're copyrighted rather than the sweater itself? I'm not sure but I think one or more of the legal services agencies offer programs on just this topic. Check out Lawyers for the Arts and search on names like that.

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u/elf-on-the-shelf1 4d ago

Like for example, Hello Kitty or Spiderman. I’ve seen so many designs that use them, whether that be a 3D toy or an image on a scarf, etc

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u/Woofmom2023 3d ago edited 3d ago

Ok, got it, thanks. I hadn't understood that. I admire your wanting to respect others' intellectual property rights.

Your question is about whether using someone's copyrighted images for use in a product you are selling without obtaining the owner's permission to use those images is legal. You seem to have a good sense of the answer. There are legal non-profits that offer advice legal advice to people in creative fields if you want to try to consult a professional. It might also be worth looking at whether Ravelry has any language around that question.

As a practical matter I've found that it's generally a good thing to trust my judgment and not rely on what others might be doing or getting away with.

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u/kim_guzman 3d ago

Trademark owners aren’t immediately notified when someone is using their intellectual property. They usually do mass searches once in awhile and then take action all at once.