The heart of copyrights and patents is the right to sue, for protection of financial gain. Most of what we are up to here would not be worth a lawsuit.

What it really comes down to is Style and Ethics. Chouinard described that best for the climbers as, Ethics is about not screwing it up for the next guy, and Style is about showing some class so you don't become full of yourself.

So far most on this board have taken the trouble to contact the original designer, who is usually flattered that someone would like to do a copy or variation in a different medium.

I have been assisting a native in the local tribe to convert traditional canoe designs to strip built, which I personally don't feel I have any rights to, legal or not.

Interesting topic and personally I prefer to think of it as a question of style and ethics rather than legal or illegal.

So thanks to the Nick Schade, Bryan Hansel, Brian Schulz, Duane Strosaker, Tom Yost and all the others for showing real style with your design generousity.

Personally I have a patent on a coffee brewing mug for making drip coffee. If someone made their own from my idea I would be impressed. If they started producing them I would have to start the cease and desist notifications and all the legalities that go with it. Doesn't even sound like fun.

Best,

Reg

: I have a patent on a gate frame for the fence industry, a company with a
: existing frame challenged it and lost due to significant differences in
: structure and design. I had seen there product but honestly did not borrow
: heavily on their design because I wanted a different approach to doing the
: same thing.

: That said, some things are standard in order for it to still be a gate frame.
: Vertical sides and horizontal rails are a must but how you get there is
: the real deal.

: To me, the rub is actually copying or using a set of plans or templates I did
: not purchase. Aren't all modern kayaks a copy with or without some
: variation? Not that I would want to but I guess I could take measurements
: from my Boreal Ellesmere and make a SOF or strip boat.

: Would that be copyright infringement?