Copyright, 2-25-23

How Long Does Copyright Protection Last?

How long does a copyright last?

The term of copyright for a particular work depends on several factors, including whether it has been published, and, if so, the date of first publication. As a general rule, for works created after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years. For an anonymous work, a pseudonymous work, or a work made for hire, the copyright endures for a term of 95 years from the year of its first publication or a term of 120 years from the year of its creation, whichever expires first. For works first published prior to 1978, the term will vary depending on several factors. To determine the length of copyright protection for a particular work, consult chapter 3 of the Copyright Act (title 17 of the United States Code). More information on the term of copyright can be found in Circular 15aDuration of Copyright, and Circular 1Copyright Basics.Do I have to renew my copyright?

No. Works created on or after January 1, 1978, are not subject to renewal registration. As to works published or registered prior to January 1, 1978, renewal registration is optional after 28 years but does provide certain legal advantages. For information on how to file a renewal application as well as the legal benefit for doing so, see Circular 15, Renewal of Copyright, and Circular 15a, Duration of Copyright

FYI – thanks for reading

Rugs From Rags has also been compromised. More info coming.

24 thoughts on “Copyright, 2-25-23

  1. Teresa in Indiana

    Oh no Mary! I don’t know what people are thinking just out right stealing your works! I am so sorry this continues to happen. Karma will win in the end. Let us know how to help. Teresa in Indiana

  2. Susan in Ohio

    The famous quote from Oscar Wilde ”imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” Has long been bandied about, mainly as an excuse for copying. I know you don’t feel flattered and I wouldn’t either, it seems copyright means nothing to a lot of people.
    You are one of the most talented people I know, please continue to create you make the world a better place..

  3. Mary Beth S

    Someone is watching your blog. I’m so sorry 😞 There are those who are always looking for something for nothing. Some are just not honest and have no integrity.

  4. Mary H

    Mary, this is all so strange. It surely is intentional to steal designs. That’s not how I like to think of quilters. Very disappointing. Can only imagine your frustration.

  5. Diana in Des Moines

    This makes me angry for you. You don’t have to wrire a blog, you don’t have to offer $5 patterns, you don’t have to write quilt books. But you DO because you know that we, your loyal readers, love them. Just honks me off. Hang in there, we love the blog and I would be so sad not to read about the farm or your quilting. I feel like you are part of my family and I share your stories all the time.
    We will all help if we can?

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Diana – thank you and when I figure this out I’ll let you know. Just makes me tired.

  6. Diane, Squeak, and Buddy in Cemtral Ohio

    That is awful. Is someone watching for new material on the blog? That stinks. Why don’t these people come up with their own ideas and projects? UGH on them. I’d say worse, but these readers are nice, polite people😺. I do not want someone stealing Rugs from rags. I bought the book because I love it and they should buy it, too, and not steal and sell your ideas.

  7. Pat Smith

    The copyright laws sound pretty exacting and iron clad to me. I suppose to put a stop to this, you’d have to hire a lawyer and file a lawsuit. So much work, money, and time. Of course, they know that, don’t they?

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Pat – yes, I’m sure they do. Our Rugs From Rags has been renamed Rags to Rugs!!

  8. NancyTD

    So sad that they’re such dishonest people out there trying to make a buck. Everyone said it all. Please keep sharing your blog with all of us. We all support you! HUGS!!!!

  9. Diane in Colorado

    Oh, my gosh. You know, the internet has been good for lots of things, but it has been really, really bad for a lot of things, too. I’m so sorry. How frustrating.

  10. Deb in Idaho

    Some people are lazy, with no talent so they steal. I’m sorry this has happened. I love your blog and share with my daughter. Love the parade of quilts and all the animal antics. I don’t do Facebook or comment . The internet is good and bad at the same time. So sorry this has happened again.

  11. Lisa B

    With the recent trouble you’ve had with your photos being reproduced and patterns stolen I was noticing other bloggers put a “copyright by” and their name on each of their photos in their blog. This wouldn’t help anyone who took a photo from one of your published books but it might help from stealing blog photos. I really enjoy your blog.

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Lisa B – yes and I’m going to start doing that – I never thought it was necessary.

  12. Kathy in western NY

    I now know why singers and songwriters go for the big lawsuits over their material and why plagerurism brings large settlement amounts. The millions of dollars lost on such young and old people who have been creative and deserve the title artist for every reason just like you as a designer with copyright patterns. It’s just how far these minds push their lack of integrity today which we could add under our growing list like ignoring stop signs and parking stripes in a parking lot. You are a good person and don’t deserve at this point of your life to have lawyers send letters to these creeps and head to court. I won’t buy certain lines of fabric, nor any Quiltmania magazine and I believe in karma. Now to dig out my pair of boots for the first time this winter to wear to church and pray for such blessed people like you who give good lives to animals and show acts of kindness to others like taking time to write us a blog post. We’ll be there with you Mary just as you are there for us.

  13. Lynette in Orlando

    Goodness this aggravates me! It’s STEALING! I was a a quilt show this past week. As I’m looking in a booth I overhear 2 ladies – you buy this one and I’ll buy that one and then we’ll trade copies….. 😤 before I could say something they went off. NO! Why is it that’s not recognized as being wrong? 😡😡😫

  14. Angie from Baltimore

    It is so disturbing to hear that people have to copy/steal other artists work. They need to get a life.

  15. Kathy Hanson

    Oh Mary, I understand your feelings with this continue to happen! I like to thing that people are not so terrible but….I guess they are! So
    Sorry to hear that this continues! Wish I knew how to help!

  16. Gayle Shumaker

    Mary there are a number of quilters whose designs are being stolen. I’ve run across 3 or 4 just yesterday. All wrote almost identical to what you have shared. It’s terrible what some people have done.

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Gayle – maybe we should all get together and contact a copyright attorney? Do you know who these 3 or 4 are? Where are they from? Could I contact them?

  17. Jan Hebert

    That sounds like a good idea, to band together and fight these people. Did you ever hear back from Quiltmania, Mary? Jan in MA

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Jan – go to CountryThreadsPatternCompany on Facebook – Quiltmania sent a statement.

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