[sdiy] [Sdiy-legal stuff]Is it legal to sell a synth based on other people's designs?

[Roy J. Tellason]

On Friday 24 February 2006 05:45 pm, NATE! wrote:
> i want to say that's only kind of half true....
>
> "Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to
> register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a
> U.S. work. "
>
> www.copyright.gov has a great FAQ that people should read.
>
> - nate

My understanding is that it's actually a bit more complicatated than that.

If you don't register,  you can sue and collect for actual damages.  If you do 
register,  you can sue and collect for both actual and punitive damages as 
well. 

> ----- Original Message -----
>
> > >   If you use the actual artwork or reproduce the schematic 'as drawn'
> > >   you would be in violation of copyright law. If the copyright holder
> > >   (the original designer) had not registered their copyright...
>
> collecting
>
> > >   monetary damages may be difficult.
> >
> >    Just a small note, you don't have to register for copyright anymore.
> > After about 1973 or so, everything is auto-copyrighted (in the US at
> > least).  Of course, you have to have the burden of proof to show that
> > someone has violated your copyright...
> >
> >    I had to carefully review this and patent law recently, so it's still
> > fresh in my head.
> >
> >    Cheers,
> >
> >    Tony

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