On Sep 7, 2017, at 12:10 AM, Andrew Hans <drib...@gmail.com> wrote: > > I am curious then, as to why Origami OUSA has a different opinion. They > require us to get permission from the model designer or the estate if > deceased in order to teach a model at their convention. Is there someone > from that organization that cares to comment and offer their perspective on > things? > > Andrew Hans
OrigamiUSA understands the concerns within the origami community regarding copyright issues. As a community that places high value on respect for the work of our artists and scholars, it is important to continue to pay attention to this important issue. OrigamiUSA has spent considerable time and discussion forming policies regarding the use of and permission for teaching, displaying and publishing origami models. These discussions take place both at the level of the Board of Directors and at the committee level through our Copyright Committee, which develops and maintains the copyright policies of OrigamiUSA. As can be seen by the recent discussion on this list, there are many opinions as well as many constituencies. The best way for OrigamiUSA to have good policies for our community is to continue to monitor and respond to changes in the world around us. Copyright law is murky on this topic: there are opinions from qualified lawyers on both sides of the issue. In formulating our policy of getting permission, OrigamiUSA strives to balance the desires of teachers who don’t want to have to ask permission, the desires of artists who wish to be asked, what we currently know about copyright law, and prevailing etiquette and mores in formulating the policy. While it may not (and cannot) satisfy everyone, many artists have expressed their appreciation for being asked; similarly, many teachers appreciate the blanket “no need to ask me” permissions given by those who have given that on this list. Kind regards, Patty Grodner On behalf of OrigamiUSA, Communications
