You can make a copy of anything you want for your personal use -
patented or copyrighted - as long as you don't make multiples or use it
in some manner to make money. Then it CAN become an issue, often does,
but in many cases does not. When it comes to patents - it's difficult to
get one. Big process. Primarily because of the principle of "there is
nothing new under the sun." Somebody somewhere has already done it, and
claimed the rights. Copyrights are a different issue. Copyright
ownership is achieved at the moment of creation. No registration
required. But it's a good thing to do so, in the event of a dispute -
which will of course NEARLY always involve money potential related to
ownership.

But nobody is going to hunt  you down, confiscate your property, and put
you in jail if you make a copy of some tool or whatever to use for and
by yourself in your garage at home.

John

John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com

On 6/10/2011 11:59 PM, neil n wrote:
> Hi all.
>
> Hypothetically speaking, this would be a "one off" for me to use at
> work. Did some patent searching online but didn't get any hits.
>
> If one makes an item, that is the same or very similar in function and
> appearance to original design, is this *generally* considered a
> copyright infringement?
>
> Item design appears simple and at most I figure $50 in materials.
> Likely less as some materials are on hand. Item new is $250.
>
> The VLVC: learning a little more about design and fabrication during
> my engine swap has only spurned me on to make this thing!
>
>
> Neil.
>
>
> --
> Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"
>
> http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines
>
>