Copywright of designs / building a replica

[ModelShipwright]

Hi,

Just found this forum and been reading lots of good posts. I'm starting to explore bulding my own boat. Have built wooden model ships from scratch for years, inclduing resaerch, drafting plans, making fittings, etc., so know how to do everything at a small scale, but want to try something bigger!

With models, we always build a replica of a real boat, and apart from copying copywrighted plans, the designs/prototype ships are public domain so most can be built, even for sale and profit (especially as most are historic ships and so no copywright on the original).

But, with "real" ones, is there a problem building a replica of a well-known boat? I am leaning towards an inboard or outboard "classic" ski/day/launch type boat. So, finally to my question - is it "legally safe" to build my own Chris-Craft / Hacker / Riva (without the original's logo)? Does it make a difference if I buy the plans, or draught my own from lines in a book (ie the origin of the building plans). I wouldn't try to pass it off as an original, especially if selling it later. But, do any of the more experienced builders have experience / advice / knowledge in this area?

Many thanks in advance.

Regards,

Darren,
Melbourne

PS Did a forum search but didn't find anything on this topic.

[Raggi_Thor]

In Norway you would buy drawings from "Sjøfartsmuseet", the Norwegian maritime museum. For the building of one boat (for yourself) you pay only for the photocopying, for commersial building you pay 1 to 5% to the museum and the "right-owners".

The names you mention are still in business I think?
So you should ask them before you build.

Then again, there are many boats built theese days that look like the old classics, but are completely new designs...

[gonzo]

The problem would be if you sell it. Designs are usually copyrighted. You can modify a design and then it would be yours.

[ErikG]

As long as you just use basic publically available drawings and NOT duplicating the lines as such you could quite possibly get away with it without legal hassels, but as a "want to be designer" I would not look kindly on anyone using my drawings to make a copy in any way, shape or form.

If you look at a design, and use that design and designs particulars as a steppingstone to your own design, I can find nothing wrong with it, but the more you emulate the less you innovate...