Is it possible to get copyrights for one's furniture pieces,
individually or as a group? If so how do I go about that? Has anyone
done it?

You can copyright plans, but not the furniture itself. If you have a
substantially unique manufacturing process or design, you can patent
it.

copyright.gov

cjbi wrote:
Is it possible to get copyrights for one's furniture pieces,
individually or as a group? If so how do I go about that? Has anyone
done it?


Intellectual property (IP) again? :-)

If you create a "unique piece" -- you automatically own the copyright
and the "moral rights" -- moral rights are more for prevention of
misuse.. This issue has been beat to death here.

I strongly suggest that you _not_ try to copyright the idea of a chest
of drawers -- for example. :-) You might run into a tad of opposition --
same for wooden wheels.

Google for Copyright and posts by myself and Robert Bonomi on the issue.
Those posts should prove enlightening -- or perhaps just more confusing.
:-) I did include a link to the copyright laws in some of my posts. Read
them -- they are quite clear if you take the time to read them and
understand the glossaries...

USA and Canada are signatories to the International Copyright
Treaty(ies) -- as are many other countries.

A patent is about the piece and the process to build it -- i.e. the
plans... Copyright need only be about the work, the identification of
the work, and the ownership of the work and the idea. You can register a
copyright to prevent against theft by manufacturers -- for example.
However some countries -- notable Taiwan -- require that Intellectual
property be registered there first for their recognition of IP rights.

When you sell a piece you should waive copyright -- you need not waive
moral rights. However, you can likely write any agreement for sale that
pleases you.


--
Will R.
Jewel Boxes and Wood Art
http://woodwork.pmccl.com
The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those
who have not got it.” George Bernard Shaw

"cjbi" wrote in message
oups.com...
Is it possible to get copyrights for one's furniture pieces,
individually or as a group? If so how do I go about that? Has anyone
done it?


YES! It's called a "deisgn patent". It is done frequently for furniture.


This is an excerpt from Ashley Furnitures web page:
http://www.ashleyfurniture.com/WebMisc/Legal.asp?SFID=

6. Many of the furniture products displayed throughout the pages of this web
site are protected by various design patents issued by the United States.
These design patents, which are owned by Ashley, cover one or more of the
ornamental or aesthetic features forming the overall furniture product.
Design patents may also be pending in the United States and other countries
worldwide which will serve to protect the designs of these furniture
products when they issue from the respective country. These furniture
designs are exclusive property of Ashley and may not be copied, modified, or
imitated without the prior written permissions of Ashley. We are certain
that you understand that Ashley must protect its intellectual property,
including its patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Therefore, no license to
Ashley's intellectual property has been granted by this internet site.

More links:

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/...227073,00.html

Dam spell check

That was "design patent"