How do you keep track of your licenses? I even am lacking for designs purchased at Emblibrary. In the beginning I didn't even record which site the designs were from...newbie ignorance! What do I do now? Do I need to erase all those I don't have sources and licensing pages? Thank you so very much!!!

No, Judy, don't erase your designs! First, unless you're selling items you've embroidered, you most likely have nothing to worry about, whether you know the terms of the license or not. If you purchase a design or download a freebie, you have the right to sew it out, that's what you're actually purchasing. So, whether for yourself or a gift, no problem. 9 times out of 10, no problem for things like church fundraisers, etc., and even craft shows. How many thousands of things can you embroider, anyway, hee hee hee. Where you need it is if you're going to sell on the internet, on a website, on a larger scale than craft show, but not as large as 'commercial'. Now, every site has a copyright page, some harder to find than others, but that applies to all their designs. So, no matter how many designs you have from Embroidery Library, you only need one copy of the copyright and terms, and to know where your designs came from. And, I've added the link for you to Embroidery Library's copyright page. It's always wise to have these, and read them, but don't pull your hair out over it, and don't delete designs! Some designs, like a Laurel Burch CD I was looking at, do not let you sell more than 10 things with designs from the CD on them. Not 10 of each design, but 10 from the CD all together. And there were 30 designs on the CD. Nice if I want Laurel Burch everything from tablecloths to underwear, not so good if I want to do a craft show. Usually it's the "licensed" designs that have those restrictions, not ones like at Embroidery Library or Cute. "Licensed" designs are ones like Disney, Laurel Burch, NFL, etc.; these folks don't do embroidery designs, blankets, lunchboxes, etc. themselves, they "license" other companies to use their logo to produce the items. They charge a fee to use their art, and probably a percentage of the profit. You will occasionally run across an artwork designer (clipart) that would like to do this, and has a copyright regulation that says so. Watch out for them, they can be a pain. They have cute art, but so does Clipartopolis, and they're no hassle. One thing I do, I read the terms and conditions of the site. If I think they're too strict and have too many things you can't do, I don't even bother downloading the designs. What I have, I know I can use. Have fun sewing, don't worry too much. Hugs, Marji

1 comment

by cinderoak 21 Sep 2009

Oh thank you Marji, and yes you called it I am a worrier. Gotta do it right or better not do it. Thank you for answering, nice to hear from you dear one!big hugs back at you! love, judy

When you purchase embroidery design software, you are authorized to embroider any garment that includes the sewn out design. Some generic designs may include restrictions on selling the garment. If the design is licensed (Sesame Street®, Disney®, Precious Moments®, etc.), you may not sell the garment with the sewn out design at any time. Although many software design packages enable you to modify the size and color of designs, you are not authorized to distribute the modified designs as computer files to others.
That paragraph is from the Embroidery Software Protection Coalition. As for Emblilbrary just go to your order history. In your order history all of your purchased designs are there. Are you selling your embroidery or are they gifts for family and friends? Maybe this web site can give you answers.

2 comments

by cinderoak 21 Sep 2009

Currently it is all for just gift giving. I have had so many people approaching me about doing embroidery items and personalizing them that I started to ponder the possibility. I don't want to break any laws or harm anyone's living which is why I was asking. I appreciate this so very much! I knew the Emblibrary kept the record of downloads, is that considered my license? So confusing to me. Thanks again, I will check out this website and maybe I will understand more.

by cinderoak 21 Sep 2009

Most of my designs are freebies from companies trying to attract new customers. There are several I know limited to gift giving and personal, while most approve limited production craft fair type of situations. I haven't downloaded anything that even remotely resembles Disney or any other obvious knock-offs. I just want to do it right, thus the question.
Does the receipt act as a license?

so many questions.