[sdiy] [Sdiy-legal stuff]Is it legal to sell a synth based on other people's designs?

[Harry Bissell Jr]

In general if the designs were published in the public domain (internet?)
  and are not patented... you could use them commercially "legally".
  
  If you use the actual artwork or reproduce the schematic 'as drawn'
  you would be in violation of copyright law. If the copyright holder
  (the original designer) had not registered their copyright... collecting
  monetary damages may be difficult.
  
  If you legally obtained a product, then reverse-engineered it... it is "legally"
  free for you to use as well.
  
  Morally is another story...
  
  1) Most synth-diy people post their designs as a service. They have not asked
  for 'money' but obviously want and deserve recognition for their work.
  
  2) Some synth-diy people make their products commercially available. In that
  case you should probably NOT compete against them using their own designs.
  
  3) Many synth-diy designs are not 'original' works either.  If someone clones
  a 'Moog' design (for example) and does not credit 'Moog'... I see little reason
  to credit them.  otoh if I get a good idea from someone... I like to give them credit.
  
  4) You might try and ASK the person for permission.  For example, I asked
  Bob Moog for permission to use parts of the Etherwave pitch to CV converter...
  and he agreed if I'd credit him on the PCB. I did.  Had he refused, I would have
  produced a P/V converter anyway, but without wholesale portions of his work.
  His approach was not unique, without precident, etc. It saved me a lot of time,
  so the credit was a small price to pay. (he also asked for a board, and I sent one)
  
  I've assumed that you meant a synth for commercial sale. If it is for you
  personally (or a close friend) there is no need to pay anyone... otoh what
  would it cost the pay them a compliment ???
  
  H^) harry

Diogo Melo <bbdsynth at gmail.com> wrote:  Hi folks! I was wondering if someone builds a synth based on all or  some of the designs (vco,vcf or anything else) and sells it  has  some obligation to the original designers?
  
  Suppose roland buils a synth using a Vcf  that one of you design, do they have to give you money or something?
  
  
  Thanks
  
  Diogo
  
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