Hypothetical Case Study: Ava's Journey Imagine this: Ava, a talented surface designer known for her unique patterns that adorn everything from home textiles to stationery, recently encountered a troubling situation. Her exclusive pattern, "Floral Dreams," appeared on a popular brand's new clothing line without her permission. Ava had shared "Floral Dreams" on her portfolio website but hadn't taken any steps to protect her

In the vibrant world of surface pattern design, where creativity knows no bounds, the tale of Rosie, a distinguished watercolor artist and surface pattern designer from New South Wales, unfolds. Renowned for her unique portrayal of Australia's breathtaking coastal scenes, Rosie's artwork is a homage to her serene surroundings in Bondi Beach. Her signature coastal style, a fresh breath of Australian summer,

In the world of surface design, where each design tells a story, the business side can seem like a foreign landscape, particularly when it comes to legal documentation. This story about Ava might be made up but it reflects what we see in the law all the time. So imagine that Ava is a  surface designer known for her captivating floral patterns. She gets

In the vast sea of creativity, surface designers navigate through waves of vibrant patterns and textures, leaving their mark on everything from fashion fabrics to home decor.   Yet, without a sturdy ship— a solid contract— based on what I have observed as a lawyer, this artistic voyage can quickly turn into a perilous journey, with unexpected storms and misunderstandings. How can you avoid

Today we embarked on the first of a series of enlightening talks aimed at demystifying the complexities of copyright law for surface designers. I'm grateful to all who attended and contributed to the engaging discussion. Here's a concise recap of the pivotal points we explored, ensuring these insights remain fresh and actionable.  At the heart of our conversation was the understanding of copyright as

Delving into the realm of surface design, it's easy to find oneself mesmerised by an illustration that seems to ignite a spark of inspiration for your next project. The excitement builds as you consider transforming this spark into a unique fabric pattern. Yet, a pivotal question casts a shadow over your enthusiasm: How can you ensure your design respects copyright law without