Is Copywriting needed

[lhasaapsolady]

I have been designing my own patterns for years and type them up on my MicroWords. I have never done anything with them other than to share them with some online friends. Is it really necessary for me to copywrite the pattern. I checked into the fees and in my opinion they are a little high, the government gets enough of our money. How many of you have went to that expense, and if you don't could you tell me how best to do mine. Thanks for the info

[AmyS]

Wanda Kay, the best thing is to go to the US Copyright Office website (http://www.copyright.gov) for information. The Yarn Tree website (http://yarntree.com/066copyr.htm) also has copyright information summarized with a quick "cheat sheet" type of thing, and links back to specific pages on the US Copyright website.

[littlespiritfeathers]

I have many patterns I have been designing as well, that I have for sale. I have not officially copyrighted them as it is expensive and the fees just went up the first of this month. By law all patterns are copyrighted as soon as they are written or recorded onto tape, cd, ect. Having the patterns officially copyrighted thru the goverment, gives you more legal protection to your work. I include copyrighted information on all patterns I hard copy to sell and those I include for free on my site. If you place your patterns in one group such as a series, you only have to pay the one fee of $45.00 Hope this helps.