Copyright laws on aircraft plans

Dave_Watts · 16 May 2004, 11:42 PM

Hi all,

I saw under the Replica Aircraft heading a thread on the Pfalz D.IIIa, and how someone wanted plans. I know there have been some heated discussions on the subject of the copying of plans.

What is the "rule" when the person who drew up the plans is dead?

In my case I have a set of plans from Fred Hennel. He made a set of plans for a Pfalz D.IIIa as he built a full scale replica. I was one of the early guys to sign on with purchasing his plans and each installment came marked "Nr.5" and signed by Fred. As I recall he was doing this work with a relative that had worked in the Pfalz factory and was involved with building D.IIIa's. Fred finally completed the plane and died in an accident while flying it.

I have this substantial group of drawings Fred made, but what is the rule concerning making copies of the plans since he's been dead for probably ten years, or possibly longer, it's been a while. Or do I simply sell the original set and all is well?

Thanks for the help.

Best,
Dave W.

joegertler · 17 May 2004, 07:52 AM

Hi Dave;
Here is the current and COMPLETE listing of all the copyright classifications, as of March, 2004. There are over 20 different classifications but this list summarizes them all into a brief sentence or two with specific reference to dates, published or unpublished works etc. It is VERY useful. Anyone should be able to put the material in question, into one of these categories. The Internet is a minefield of copyright infringements. And the laws are clear and specific. So is this list. Ignorance is no excuse. Anyone who publishes or sells material done by others, had best consider this listing.
It is NOT all gloom & doom, though. It clearly lists when and how various classes of material falls into the Public Domain, too.
http://www.copyright.cornell.edu/training/...blic_Domain.htm

Alan · 17 May 2004, 09:45 AM

Joe, that list is far-reaching and very good. Thanks for posting it.

Dan_San_Abbott · 17 May 2004, 02:43 PM

Joe:
I hope all these guys who think they can get away with copying someone elses work, better think twice. This document is better than the U.S.document that I have, it is simpler and more concise.
No one can copy any drawing, article or artwork that I had done, without my expressed permission in writing. Bottom line, "It ain't free!" All my work bears the copyright symbol. When you buy a copy of my drawing acticle or artwork does not TRANSFER my owner ship of the copy right. You get the copy and that is all you get.
One of the things that pisses me off, is the guy who copys your work,
credits you as the source, and recopies it his name and displays the copyright symbol. There are several who has done this.
I know there are several in this Forum who thinks this is selfish and terrible and I must be a horrible person. I suspect that those who make the most noise are guilty of copying mine or someone else work.
Anyhow Joe thanks a bunch for posting this clarification of the copyright laws.
Blue skies,
Dan-San

Dave_Watts · 18 May 2004, 02:44 AM

Hi Joe,

Thanks for the great reference list, very helpful!

The nice thing is I could do a search on Fred from that website and sure enough he had applies for copyright on 1993, which must have been shortly before his death. If it were 1989 it would have been in the public domain, so as it was 1993 his plans are protected.

That website is the best I've seen for explaining things.

I always want to respect the work of others.

Best,
Dave W.