On November 16th, The Manitoulin Expositor published a post on Facebook promoting local Christmas markets and highlighted it with an image of my Manitoulin Hat as something that could be purchased by visiting the market. The post included the statement, “created by June McDougall”. The comments and reactions were numerous by the time I saw the post.
I posted a response that it was MY pattern, available for purchase and download in my shop, and that permission to sell finished items from my patterns was required and had not been granted to this knitter.
The responses continued on the post including one that suggested that The Manitoulin Expositor edit their post to include that the pattern was written by Freshisle Fibers.
The Manitoulin Expositor deleted their post.
It had been shared numerous times including to the Facebook group, What’s Doin’ on the Manitoulin.
This morning, November 26th, June McDougall posted on Facebook in the group, Manitoulin Buy Sell Trade, knitted Manitoulin Hats for sale.
I sent her a private message attempting to explain the copyright infringement of selling finished items from my patterns and asked her to edit her post to include that the pattern was written by Freshisle Fibers.
She did edit the post adding the following – Pattern by Freshisle Fibers…. I have been told.
The pattern clearly states at the bottom – This pattern may be used for your own personal use only, not for re-sale of items.
Copyright laws and contract laws are detailed, confusing, and long. Discussions on Ravelry are endless regarding copyright of knitting patterns. Knitting designers respond differently to copyright issues. Many require a fee to sell finished items from their patterns.
I have two issues with what has happened in my case.
- Knitters need to ask me if they want to sell finished items from my patterns. They need my permission.
Hours go into writing a pattern. More hours go into test knitting a pattern, often numerous test knits! More hours go into taking photos, actually writing the pattern, and finally publishing a pattern.
2. The Manitoulin Expositor missed a prime opportunity to educate its readers and actually do a news story.
Deleting their Facebook post once they realized they had made a mistake accomplished nothing.
Editing the post, contacting me and the knitter, and perhaps even an actual print story in the newspaper regarding copyright would have been a better and more appropriate response, particularly for a business that should value copyright.
The Manitoulin Hat pattern was first written in 2005 and it continues to be one of my most popular patterns and kits.
You are so right. Folks just do not understand and I am surprised a newspaper would not grab a teaching moment. I bought your pattern a few years ago and then bought the kit last summer and have made several AS gifts. Love your wool.