Painted Pony

[PeteB]

Originally Posted by Janette

I was wondering about that too Bob. I haven't seen the article yet but have been an avid carousel person for many years. I always thought that the Denzel, Loof, etc. carousel horses and other animals are copyrighted. I have a book called Painted Ponies - American Carousel Art that has some wonderful images. I've often thought about making patterns from them but hesitated because of the copyright issue. I suppose if I made them it's ok as long as a pattern is not available for sale? (ok you experts out there what do you think? )

Janette, any copyright on the horses themselves no doubt ran out long ago, as in the U.S. anything made before 1923 is unprotected. However, the photos in American Carousel Art are themselves copyrighted according to the dates they were created, and you would need permission to use them even if you do not seek a profit. If you were to take your own photos, you would own the copyright yourself and be free to make and even sell patterns if you wanted to, and to sue the pants off anyone who used your photos without permission. See how it works?

On the Web, you may find photos that are free for use under Creative Commons, GNU, Copyleft, and other arrangements. You have to read the licensing information carefully to see what uses are allowed. Even so, I almost always ask permission anyway. Most photographers are happy to receive appropriate credit for their work and will not mind your making a few bucks out of it. I have been declined by a couple of photographers, and this was because they did not have property releases for the things that they photographed.

[BobD]

Thanks Pete...you saved me some typing! I apologize; I just haven't had time to get back to that question, Janette, but Pete is correct!

Bob