Copyright and Stained Glass:What every artist should know

I have been asked many times about using someone else’s patterns during class, including copy patterns online. My students know how I feel. I wanted to share the information sheet I have shared with them.

Stained glass is a timeless art form that blends craftsmanship and creativity. But in today’s digital world—where thousands of patterns are shared in books, on Etsy, and Pinterest—understanding copyright law is more important than ever for stained glass students and artists.

This post will walk you through what copyright means in the context of stained glass, the risks of copying patterns, and what you need to know about creating and using derivative works—especially under U.S. copyright law.

🔍 What Is Copyright?

Copyright is a legal protection granted to original works of authorship—including visual arts like drawings, illustrations, and yes, stained glass designs. In the U.S., protection begins automatically as soon as a work is fixed in a tangible form (drawn, saved digitally, etc.).

Key takeaways:

• The design, not just the physical object, is protected.

• Even a stained glass window may be protected if the design is sufficiently original and creative.

Want a quick overview of the law? See Copyright Basics (Circular 1).

📖 Can I Use Patterns from a Book or Etsy?

Short answer: It depends on how the pattern is licensed and what you plan to do with it.

Pattern Books

Many stained glass books are protected by copyright. Even if you own the book, you do not automatically own the rights to reproduce and sell pieces made from the patterns inside—unless it says otherwise.

• Personal use is generally fine (e.g., a panel you make for yourself).

• Commercial use may be infringement if the author has not granted permission.

🧵 Case Example:
An artist makes and sells panels using patterns from a well-known book. The book’s author finds out and sends a cease-and-desist letter. Even if the artist didn’t realize the patterns were protected, the use is still considered copyright infringement without permission.

Etsy and Other Online Platforms

Designs sold or posted on Etsy or social media are usually protected by copyright, whether or not there’s a visible copyright symbol. Downloading a pattern from Etsy and using it to create pieces for sale without checking the license terms can land you in legal trouble.

• Most Etsy patterns are licensed for personal use only.

• You should never assume it’s okay to reproduce and sell without explicit permission.

✂️ What If I Change the Design a Bit?

Here’s where the concept of derivative works comes in.

A derivative work is a new creation based on an existing copyrighted work—like tweaking a pattern by changing colors or rearranging parts. Under U.S. law, only the copyright holder can authorize the creation of derivative works.

• Making minor changes does not make it your own.

• Even if your version isn’t identical, it may still be considered infringing.

For more legal context, see Visual Arts Works (Circular 40) and Fair Use Index.

🧵 Case Example:
A student tweaks a floral pattern found on Pinterest by adding a butterfly and changing the background. They start selling it on Instagram. The original artist sees it and files a takedown notice. Because the new design is substantially based on the original, it’s likely a derivative work and still requires permission.

✅ What Can I Do Legally?

Here’s how you can stay on the right side of copyright law—and develop your artistic voice in the process:

• Design your own patterns: The safest and most creative option.

• Use public domain resources: Works published before 1929 are generally free to use. Try searching HathiTrust Digital Library for historical design books.

• Look for usage terms: Some designers license their work for commercial use—read the fine print!

• Get permission: Many artists are open to licensing if you reach out.

• Understand attribution is not enough: Crediting the original artist doesn’t remove legal liability.

🧭 Useful Links and Resources

• U.S. Copyright Office Homepage

• Copyright Basics (Circular 1)

• Visual Arts Works (Circular 40)

• Fair Use Index

• HathiTrust Digital Library — Great for public domain designs

💡 Final Thoughts

Copyright law protects creative expression—and respecting it strengthens the stained glass community. When in doubt, ask permission or create something original. As an artist, your creativity is your most valuable asset. Protect it—and respect the work of others, too.