Copyright Policy

In the course of creating works for the North Country Teddy Bear site, artists, authors, programmers, graphic artists, musicians and others may create works that are protected by copyright. Federal Copyright Law provides that most original works of authorship are protected by copyright automatically when they are fixed in tangible form.

Copyrightable works of authorship include, among other categories, books, articles and other written works; musical and dramatic works; pictures, films, videos, sculptures and other works of art. Works by participants in North Country Teddy Bears may be found in any of these categories. As a matter of fundamental policy, North Country Teddy Bears encourages the wide dissemination of work produced by participants of the NCTB community, including copyrightable works.

What does this mean for you? Let's keep it simple. You can use downloadable items available on this site for your own personal use. These include, but may not be limited to patterns in the EbearZ University, EZ print files, free patterns and the free screensaver. If it says you can use it, then go ahead, but ...you may not reproduce, photo copy, or otherwise copy, sell or redistribute any of the patterns, photos, graphics, information, instructions or likenesses thereof, provided within this web site or its linked pages. Instructions and patterns may be printed, but again, for your personal use only.

So, for example, if you register for an EbearZ University Course, and your Aunt Cookie wants the pattern, you may not give it to her. She has to take the course too. Likewise, she will have to visit the site herself to download a free pattern. You may not use the information, patterns or photos within these pages for endeavors such as teaching classes, or writing articles without the written consent of the author and designer. You may not alter the patterns and call them original works. They are still the work of the designer, even if you change them.

The same holds true for all of the information within these pages. You may not create an item using the patterns provided within the North Country Teddy Bears sites and hold that item out to be your original work. The designer must be credited with the design. Especially if you are selling these items and bears. In addition, if you are selling another artist's designs, you must have their permission in writing to do so. All of the graphics, photos and copy on this site are covered by copyright. You may not download them without permission for any reason. Infringing upon a copyright is illegal. It's just like theft. There are substantial fines in place for breaking copyright law. It is also morally wrong, and insulting to the artists and authors who work so hard to create original works. So please, be kind and abide by the law.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

North Country Teddy Bears does not permit the sale or display of items within this site that knowingly contravene copyright laws. If you are aware of an item that infringes upon a copyright, please let us know.

Thank you for respecting the copyright laws. This will help us to further provide you with plenty of fun, original and informative products!