Replies

1. 
   Bill_Lindau | Jan 23, 2002 05:06am | #1

   *
   Robert, I also would like to see some plans of Geo. Nakashima's chair plans. Please let me know if you find any.
   Bill

1. 
   Jeff_Patrick | Jan 24, 2002 05:16am | #2

   *Nakashima's furniture is still being made by his daughter. I would suspect that she or her family hold the copyright to his designs. You should contact her (I don't have the address) for permission before you copy the chair no matter where you get the plans.

1. 
   Seth_Frankel_ | Jan 31, 2002 06:01pm | #3

   *Jeff,The Nakashima studio is in New Hope, Pennsylvania. But you've raised an interesting point. I'm no lawyer, but I'm not sure about your assertion. If Robert builds a piece of furniture for his own use and enjoyment with no commercial intent has he infringed on Copyright protection? Let's consider a few scenarios . . 1)say he sees the chair in a gallery and builds something similar, 2) he puchases measured drawings and builds an exact copy, or 3) he obtains drawings posted on this website.In situation 1 it seems to question what rights are granted to Copyright holders (presupposing that Copyright is actually held by artist or estate). In situation 2 it seems that Robert is free to build as many chair as he wants as the rights were granted to the purchaser of the drawings. (as is the case of say Thomas Moser copies built from his published book of measured drawings).In situation 3 Robert may have obtained the drawings without paying royalty to the Copyright holder and not be permitted to build an exact copy.What about a piece that's Nakashima-like or inspired (as like the thousands upon thousands of Sam Maloof knockoffs we see for sale at every craftshow). How "different" does the piece need to be to not violate Copyright protection?This is a difficult and confusing realm - not so clear cut. Any full-time patent lawyers, part-time furniture makers out there?Seth

1. 
   JimGG_ | Feb 06, 2002 10:03pm | #4

   *I remember that one of the Smithsonian museum buildings on the mall in Washington, DC, had a half dozen of those chairs set out in the public area for visitors to sit on (they were not roped off or restricted in any way). I don't know if they're still there, it's been years since I lived there. But if they are still on the floor, anyone could show up with rule, paper and pencil, and make a record.

1. 
   J_Mackay | Feb 13, 2002 02:06am | #5

   *I'm not a lawyer, but I'd think that your situation 1, where Robert sees the chair in a gallery and builds something similar is exactly the same as checking a book out from the library, and copying it word-for-word. I'd say the best solution would be to obtain plans from the "inventor".