Intellectual Property Policy

1. Pattern Ownership

1.1 Creator Rights

Creators retain ownership of the intellectual property in their original patterns. This includes written instructions, charts, diagrams, schematics, and any original design elements.

1.2 What Is Covered

Under CDPA, copyright protects original literary, artistic, and musical works. A craft pattern - including written instructions, charts, and diagrams - is protected as a literary and/or artistic work.

1.3 Photos of Finished Items

Photographs of finished items are separate copyright works, owned by the photographer. Using a pattern does not give you rights to the photographer's images.

1.4 Finished Items

The copyright in a finished item made by following a pattern belongs to the maker, not the pattern designer. However, the pattern itself remains the designer's intellectual property.

2. What You Cannot Sell

2.1 Original Work Requirement

All patterns listed on Patterneers must be your original work or properly licensed to you. You cannot sell patterns you do not have rights to sell.

2.2 Copyright Infringement

Do not list patterns that reproduce copyrighted works without authorisation. This includes:

• Depicting copyrighted characters, artwork, or designs
• Reproducing text or images from books, magazines, or other publications
• Copying another seller's original design, photography, or descriptions

2.3 Trademark

Do not use trademarked brand names, logos, or phrases in your listings without permission. This includes:

• Brand names (e.g., "Harry Potter", "Disney", "Nike")
• Character names and likenesses
• Official logos and branding

Using trademarks to mislead buyers into thinking your product is officially affiliated is strictly prohibited.

2.4 Patents

Do not list patterns that incorporate patented designs without authorisation.

2.5 AI-Generated Content

Patterns generated using AI tools may be listed, but you must clearly disclose this in your listing. The AI tool's terms of use may affect your right to sell the output.

3. Inspired By vs. Infringement

3.1 General Style vs. Copying

Being "inspired by" a style or theme is generally acceptable. Directly copying another seller's original design, photography, written descriptions, or layout is not. If you are unsure whether your design is too similar, err on the side of caution.

3.2 Transformative Work

A transformative work that adds significant original expression may be acceptable, but simply changing colours or sizes of an existing design is unlikely to be considered transformative.

4. Notice and Takedown (CDPA s.97A)

4.1 Reporting Infringement

If you believe your intellectual property has been infringed on Patterneers, submit a notice to ip@patterneers.com including:

• Your contact information
• Identification of the copyrighted work(s) alleged to be infringed
• URL of the allegedly infringing listing
• A statement of good faith belief that the use is not authorised
• A statement under penalty of perjury that the information is accurate
• Your physical or electronic signature

4.2 Our Response

Upon receiving a valid infringement notice, we will:

• Remove or disable access to the allegedly infringing listing
• Notify the seller of the complaint
• Provide the seller with information about the complaint

4.3 Repeat Infringer Policy

Accounts with multiple infringement violations may be terminated:

• First infringement: Pattern removed, seller warned
• Second infringement: Account suspended for 30 days
• Third infringement: Permanent account termination

5. Counter-Notification

5.1 Right to Contest

If you believe your listing was wrongly removed due to an IP claim, you may submit a counter-notice.

5.2 Counter-Notice Requirements

Your counter-notice must include:

• Your contact information
• Identification of the removed listing and its former location
• A statement under penalty of perjury that you have a good faith belief the material was removed or disabled as a result of mistake or misidentification
• Consent to the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales
• Your physical or electronic signature

5.3 Reinstatement

If we receive a valid counter-notice, we may reinstate the listing after 10-14 business days unless the original complainant files a court action.

6. Seller Warranties

6.1 Your Representations

By listing a pattern on Patterneers, you represent and warrant that:

• The pattern is your original work, or you have proper licensing to sell it
• The listing does not infringe any third-party intellectual property rights
• You have the right to enter into this agreement and grant the licences contained in the Seller Terms

6.2 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify Patterneers against any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your listings, including intellectual property infringement claims.

7. Platform Intellectual Property

7.1 Patterneers IP

The Patterneers name, logo, platform design, and any original content we create (other than user content) are our intellectual property. You may not use them without our permission.

7.2 No License

Your use of Patterneers does not grant you any licence to our intellectual property, except as necessary to use the platform as intended.

8. Contact

Questions about this policy or IP issues? Contact our IP team at ip@patterneers.com