Origami Copyrights? Please help! Very important question for other Origami sellers

[NikkiCrossApplesauce]

Is there such a thing as origami copyrights? Is it illegal to sell origami designs that have been copyrighted? Ok, I've been running my online shop selling origami items for almost a year. Never heard of anything like this before. Please advise if any other shops have run into this problem, or have any advice?

Original message I received today from a stranger on Etsy:
I thought you might be interested to learn that Origami Gyroscope is a model designed by Lewis Simon and it's protected by copyright law. I believe it can't be sold without being credited and without author's permission.

You can find more information about OrigamiUSA policy on this issue here
www.origami-usa.org/files/OrigamiUSA%20Copyright%20Analysis+FAQ.pdf

[Former_Member]

I have read a little about this when I was interested in selling origami based art. Yes, I would say that if someone is credited with creating the folds and methods used to create an origami shape, then that is indeed their intellectual property and the owner should be consulted whether or not that design can be reproduced, especially if it is for profit.

Origami shapes like the crane, and most of the instructions available in origami paper packs, can be viewed as "public domain" and therefore reproduced without any real fear of an actual owner coming forward.

With origami instruction books, many times if a design is included that the author did not create, it has been added with the creators permission with credit given where necessary.

The website they gave you is a good source of this information. Sorry if this is bad news.

[NikkiCrossApplesauce]

Thanks for your thoughts! My plan is to stick with old traditional folds, or make up my own folds to protect myself. It was a modern modular design that they specifically mentioned. No more fun searches for videos and free directions on the internet. Thats what got me in trouble - beware, even if something is "free" on the internet like tutorials or directions sheets, it could still be copyrighted by someone, somewhere else.

[Former_Member]

Nicki, I came across the same problem and worked it out with the original designer. I still sell the items in my shop.

[Former_Member]

If the folding step was created by specific person, and apply for copy right, then it is protected and you can't copy or sell it.
However, origami style like cranes, butterfly....common style are nothing new. I was learned from my partner, and they learn from their parent. Those are widely know, so it is okay to sell, however, if someone copy right a specific item which is create with need of origami crane (for example : using the created a specific picture that he/she designed) than you can not copy the same design, that is nothing to do with the copyright of the crane, but the copyright of that picture.
I hope I didn't confuse anyone. If I did, I am sorry.
This is what I learned when I start my business.

By the way, origami flower bouquet is not copyright, because the also have long history in origami world, any new way to fold the flower may be, but not the basic folding method.

Wingy

[Former_Member]

that was helpful :)