Bob, I too am concerned about copywrite laws.To the effect that I went to the Government CopyWwrite office's web site, and did an extensive search to learn exactly what the laws and rules are. It matters to me because of the many drawings I've produced. Like you, I've had the pleasure of seeing my drawings offered by others.
The drawing I did of the Zephyr was for my use. While true to the outline, it has several changes in structure, and differs from the original due to the fact that it's designed to take apart. The wing removes, the vertical stab, stab and elevator all remove. My reason for posting it was to show the result of my work, not to sell copies of the plans, I also wanted to show you the work already done with the idea of making it available to you to help in your desire to produce a new set of plans for the Zephyr. That's why I asked if you had the means to display a CAD file.
Now, it was about 10 years ago that I researched the CopyWrite office's web site, but from memory, which, admitadly, isn't all it used to be, here's what I believe I found.
Up until some where in the 70's or 80's copywrites had to be applied for and granted by the CopyWrite office. I found that Patents for model airplanes, real, full sized airplanes, and other common use items are no longer granted, so copywrite is the only protection you get for your intellectual property. The old copywrite ran out in a similar fashion as patents, and I believe they passed when the copywrite holder passed.
At the point in the 70's or 80's there was a change made. Now, a copywrite is automatic, when the document is created. It is no longer necessary to obtain one from the CopyWrite office. Nor is it necessary to include the CopyWrite symbol, year and name, though it's a good idea to include them on your drawings.
Some of the existing CopyWrites, (I'm assuming the ones in force at the time the change was made), were changed to the new standards. Not all, but some.
The new standards give the rights to a copywrite to the heirs of the holder for a specific term, and it's over a 100 years after the death of the holder.
Now, here's the sticky wicket.
Art works, which is what plans and drawings are considered, can be worked around when there are sufficient changes made. Different placements can be a part of it, but is usually insufficeint on it's own to overcome a copywrite. Additional details, changes in other areas, such as construction and sub assemblies, 1 sheet to 2 or more sheets etc. can be enough to constitute a new piece of art, worthy of it's own copywrite. A simple copy, or a tracing, of the original are not new art work, but violations of the CopyWrite.
I can see where someone with a great picture of Half Dome in Yosemite, Ansel Adams for instance, could call for copywrite protection every time a similar picture of Half Dome was published, if his copywrite were still in force.
Now, back to my drawing of Jeans Zephyr, which where copywrited at the time of creation, it's highly likely that there are enough changes to the art work, that if I wanted to I could market the drawings without infringing on Jeans CopyWrite.
Basically what the CopyWrite does is protect, in this case Jean, and whomever he sold the plans to for publication, from having someone make copies of his work, as published, or originally drawn, and selling them without permission, if indeed his CopyWrite was grandfathered when the change occurred.
I'm not bringing this up for any other reason than to clarify what I understand to be the current state of affairs as far as CopyWrite's go. I certainly respect you, and all who have created our cherished designs over the years. Also, I have to say that all the above is from memory of a 10 year old search and study of the subject, so I may have some errors due to faulty memory, for which I apologise in advance.
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