Ok, ladies, I need your help FAST! I teach machine embroidery to several ladies. They are all at different levels of expertise, and come to me because I like to study tips and shortcuts and experiment with different ideas (like reading this Forum and picking your brains!). They think I know everything there is to know (love to keep it that way) but I sure don't!

Sometines you just have to say 'no'.

It sounds like it's time to teach them about how to go on-line, download free designs, and set them up so their machines can use the designs. You can teach them how copyright laws apply to machine embroidery designs.
As far as copyright goes, I think you are okay if they use your machine to sew your designs, either ones you have digitized, or have acquired legally. I think you start breaking laws when the file itself is duplicated and given, or sold to another person. At least that's what I think :-)

I've been in the same position. Since I am such a wimp and "no" isn't in my vocabulary, then I purchased the set and had it sent directly to the person who wanted the designs. That way I wasn't stuck in the middle. I hope this turns out good for you. What ever you decide now will set precedent for other folks and their behavior in the future. Good luck.

You could stitch it out yourself on your machine and then give the item to her, that is no different than giving a gift or selling the item that you stitched out. She would not be allowed to put the design on her machine and/or computer.

Thank you thank you thank you! I was having a mental block as to what was the right thing to do, both legally and morally! I love to share my ideas, my shortcuts, etc. I don't digitize but totally respect the rights of those that do! I just wasn't clear, so now I am! Linda

Dear Linda, If this lady does not have a facility to download ourchased designs, or freebies i.e. if she does not own her own computer ot PC - then I would say that she should look into the matter to obtain the legal way of obtaining designs. The only way is to buy her own computer. I am sure she would benefit greatly by doing just that and then she has access to hundreds of beautiful Cutie freebies. ****

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by susiesembroidery 21 May 2012

sorry should read: purchased designs - and (or) not ot.

I'm with catsnhorses...let her know about Cute and Sew Forum...and any other sites you frequent. There are lots of free design available, and fonts. She should begin to build her own library of designs.

Just wanted to say that you did the right thing in asking about the copyright laws. You could be charged with copyright infringement.

Why not encourage these nice ladies to become Cute members? That way they can download the wonderful designs in Designs by Cuties for free, and maybe even those on SewForum? If you tell them about the sites, and that those designs are free, it's like you're helping them solve a problem but telling them no to using your designs. Best of luck!

You need to say "NO I CAN'T. I DON'T WANT TO BE CHARGED WITH COPYRIGHT VIOLATIONS (I believe a Federal offence in USA and chargeable internationally) WHICH SHE ALSO COULD BE CHARGED WITH). Read copyright notice on Designs by Cuties for a starter. Always read these rules on any site you go to.

S

You are indeed not to share designs unless you digitised them yourself from your own drawings or legally obtained clipart. Let her read the terms and conditions of this site or the site you purchased the designs from and she can see for herself you aren't being mean, but keeping to the rules.

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by shirley124 21 May 2012

good answer.

I personally believe she should buy her own.She has her own machine and needs to start utilizing it to the fullest which includes getting her own selection of designs. Hugs, Mary

Is there a reason she can't or wont buy her own designs? She should know there are plenty of designs out there for her personal use,some just come with a price. She should start building her own design library and not using yours.
Bev