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journey fan
"Rome! By all means, Rome."
PeaNut 308,186
April 2007
Posts: 11,521
Layouts: 0
Loc: California Coast
 |  Posted: 4/7/2010 11:57:16 PM
Provo Craft Sues Make The Cut
By Nancy Nally on April 7, 2010
This is why I ultimately never bought or promoted Sure Cuts a Lot or Make the Cut ... just felt it was icky and probably illegal (not to use these 2 products, but to create them in the first place). I've got no judgement against those who do/have; just my own personal feeling on it.
Anyway, I blogged some more of my thoughts on it ...
What do you think, Peas?? |
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TheOtherMeg
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 463,585
April 2010
Posts: 2,057
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 4/8/2010 12:27:43 AM
I love MTC (I prefer it to SCAL), but I had a very bad feeling when I read that Andy was working on a "cartridge back-up" feature. I truly wish he had let that go. Many people expressed their misgivings about it.
I hope this will be resolved simply by having Andy remove the back-up feature. The article says PC is "seeking damages," though. That sounds like it could be very bad news.
PC has always been very opposed to SCAL and MTC, but they left them alone (legally) until MTC messed with PC's Design Studio in order to import the cartridge images into MTC. If Andy had just stayed with introducing more and better free design capabilities (designing not limited by cartridge images), and left all the cartridge crap to PC and its crummy little Design Studio program, MTC wouldn't be at risk now.
IMO | |
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SweetiePie Pea
a Wild Strawberry
PeaNut 98,374
July 2003
Posts: 16,520
Layouts: 189
Loc: Western Washington
 | Posted: 4/8/2010 12:41:13 AM
Erica,
here's my thinking behind this, and I'm no expert but here it goes. if Microsoft was the only company ever allowed to legally make programs for PC's, where would we be today? I believe they have lost lawsuits over this very matter.
why is this any different?
Also this right here
Violates and dilutes the Cricut trademarks by using them in advertising for Make The Cut products
makes me wonder what the Cricut Cake lady is up against for using their machine in her videos and demonstrations before PC came into the picture. |
Heidi
If I'm not peaing, I'm pinning!
My Blog:
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2boysandwill
My turn to hit the PEAnata!!!
PeaNut 121,208
December 2003
Posts: 13,118
Layouts: 71
Loc: SCV, CA
| Posted: 4/8/2010 1:49:04 AM
what did he do with the cartridges?
see? prior to him messing with the cartridges...all MTC was, was another 'technique' and PC couldn't touch him. | |
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gale w
shiny farmwife
PeaNut 40,275
June 2002
Posts: 21,310
Layouts: 52
Loc: Indiana
 | Posted: 4/8/2010 3:06:34 AM
Is THIS the cake lady you're talking about? If so she should be suing them from the sound of it. |
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scrappin_angelheart
BucketHead
PeaNut 389,275
August 2008
Posts: 908
Layouts: 50
Loc: I'm an Alberta girl!
 | Posted: 4/8/2010 8:57:09 AM
I have no problems with using programs like SCAL and MTC. I think Provocraft is a dishonorable company who don't support their product anyways. True MTC shouldn't have started messing with cartridge functions...that was just asking for trouble. |
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AvonPooh
BucketHead
PeaNut 308,156
April 2007
Posts: 839
Layouts: 0
Loc: Midwest
| Posted: 4/8/2010 9:21:58 AM
So this is bad news. I was just thinking about buying one of these and I was leaning towards MTC. Do you think that it is going to "go under" or something? I thought it sounded easier to use than SCAL and that's why I was getting ready to buy it. But now I am afraid because what if I get it and the customer service goes under or something? Any one understand what is going on and can tell me what I should do? | |
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minnieme
My PEAnera
PeaNut 31,818
March 2002
Posts: 5,466
Layouts: 4
Loc: Long Island,New York
 | Posted: 4/8/2010 10:12:03 AM
Isn't this AMERICA?
I have MTC...it was a gift and I would NOT change a thing... |
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TheOtherMeg
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 463,585
April 2010
Posts: 2,057
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 4/8/2010 10:41:49 AM
So this is bad news. I was just thinking about buying one of these and I was leaning towards MTC. Do you think that it is going to "go under" or something? I thought it sounded easier to use than SCAL and that's why I was getting ready to buy it. But now I am afraid because what if I get it and the customer service goes under or something? Any one understand what is going on and can tell me what I should do?
If I was interested in the program, I would buy it now. (I already own it and love it.) Right now, it has all the features. Soon, it probably won't have DesignStudio Back-Up (which doesn't interest me anyway). If things really go bad for MTC, they may be forced to stop selling the program. That seems extreme, but who knows what'll happen.
Andy (the designer/owner) has been very active on the MTC message boards. He has been extremely responsive to suggestions regarding the program and has added features that MB members have requested. I don't see him abandoning customers, even if he has to stop selling MTC.
There are also a number of bloggers who have MTC tutorials posted. They seem like very helpful people who, even if MTC stops selling, would answer questions about their tutorials.
I'm pretty sure you could also go to just about any papercrafting message board and someone there would be able to help you.
I don't see PC being able to stop MTC altogether. However, I will not be at all surprised if PC is able to force MTC to remove the DesignStudio Back-Up feature. I love MTC, but I do think they went over the line with DSB-U.
Even if it is okay to back up the cartridge image files for personal archiving and use, as we are allowed to do with music files, MTC is using PC's trademarked name (Design Studio) for that feature. At the very least, I think MTC will have to change that.
I don't have any official info or anything. These are just my thoughts/guesses. | |
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kselzer
BucketHead
PeaNut 460,616
March 2010
Posts: 551
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 4/8/2010 10:58:09 AM
I think MTC had to know they were pushing it when they started talking about copying over Cricut's copyrighted images. They shouldn't have started that and they would probably have been fine.
I haven't heard of SCAL getting sued, but they don't advertise pulling in Cricut's images either. |
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journey fan
"Rome! By all means, Rome."
PeaNut 308,186
April 2007
Posts: 11,521
Layouts: 0
Loc: California Coast
| Posted: 4/8/2010 11:55:42 AM
Erica,
here's my thinking behind this, and I'm no expert but here it goes. if Microsoft was the only company ever allowed to legally make programs for PC's, where would we be today? I believe they have lost lawsuits over this very matter.
why is this any different?
That's a good point, Heidi. You've made me rethink that part of it, thanks! |
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desertgirl
PeaFixture
PeaNut 256,534
April 2006
Posts: 3,467
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 4/8/2010 12:07:50 PM
Is Make the Cut still available or has the lawsuit stopped the owner from selling any more copies? | |
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ScrappinwithZ
BucketHead
PeaNut 127,532
January 2004
Posts: 933
Layouts: 21
Loc: Southeast Missouri
| Posted: 4/8/2010 12:29:54 PM
It is still available. |
Mom to Chris 25, Jackie 24, William 11 and Kyle 10
Wife to Greg for 28 years
My Blog: Scrappin'with Z
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ladytrisha
AncestralPea
PeaNut 23,636
October 2001
Posts: 4,212
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 4/8/2010 1:17:21 PM
I haven't heard of SCAL getting sued, but they don't advertise pulling in Cricut's images either.
exactly. SCAL's creator was smart enough to leave their trademarked stuff alone and PC couldn't touch him - he merely brought a new software that enhanced their machine. All PC could do was wave the "you'll void your warranty" which everyone knows was bogus anyway (as if adding a Canon "printer" would void out your HP computer warranty which is basically what you're doing with SCAL).
As soon as I saw MTC grabbed the cartridges and was able to manipulate them, then I knew PC was going to come gunning. I'm sure he's received numerous "cease and decist" letters and obviously has refused to do that so now he'll be tied up with legal fees. |
Trish
Simi Valley, Ca.
Enjoying paradise with my hunky Hawaiian hubby for over 31 years;
Proud Scout Mom to my Eagle Scout Brian!
If its Sunday - its NASCAR in the house! #48, #24 & #14
Fast men in fast cars -- WOOHOO!!
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Nantini
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 274,935
August 2006
Posts: 5,099
Layouts: 8
| Posted: 4/8/2010 1:21:17 PM
I think MTC had to know they were pushing it when they started talking about copying over Cricut's copyrighted images
Could you explain this? I'm not sure if I understand this. |
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kselzer
BucketHead
PeaNut 460,616
March 2010
Posts: 551
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 4/8/2010 1:46:15 PM
Could you explain this? I'm not sure if I understand this.
In the link provided above there is a comment to the article by "BethAnne." In her comment is some talk that happened on the MTC forum and a flurry of activity around the net happened after that. Basically the comments boiled down to a wink, wink you can find a way to get all the cricut images without buying the carts. IMO, I doubt PC would have sued had this information not come to light. That's why I said they were pushing it. |
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ScrapinCT
Apron Wearing - I Love Lucy inspired Housewife
PeaNut 248,491
February 2006
Posts: 5,870
Layouts: 104
Loc: Wallingford, Connecticut
| Posted: 4/8/2010 1:59:45 PM
I love MTC and SCAL. Cricut is just pissed off, looking for someone to blame. They know that many (1000's) of people know how to get images from EVERY cartridge for MTC without owning any cartridges. They are all over the internet but they cant find someone to sue. So they are suing MTC. They know that people are copying the images to cut. They have said so on their own message board this is happening. Its impossible to stop. If they werent so money greedy they would invented a software like MTC themselves!
I'll be interested to see how this plays out.. I'm betting cricut isn't going to get that much in the end. Even if they do, it certainly wont stop the problem, not by a long shot!! |
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Nantini
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 274,935
August 2006
Posts: 5,099
Layouts: 8
| Posted: 4/8/2010 2:00:06 PM
Yeah, I have SCAL and already figured that one out. My way is not rocket science.
Thanks for the explanation.
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StampinTigger
Baby Pea Step
PeaNut 320,667
June 2007
Posts: 4
Layouts: 17
Loc: TX
 | Posted: 4/8/2010 2:41:25 PM
Here's the thing... someone creates something and then someone else comes along to tweak it and improve it. Design Studio sucks. There are videos on youtube on how to create your own "cartridge" by using chipboard and aluminum foil. All you need to know is where the pins are in the cartridge. Are those people being sued? Let's face it, in todays world people will find a way to do something without having to pay for it. Why can't we back up our cartridges? We all know if something goes wrong with them PC won't do anything about it. They expect us to suck it up and buy it again. Their customer service is horrible. And people know it's wrong to share their "copies" but you'll always have those that will. I wish MTC the best. |
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sherryekb
PeaNut
PeaNut 264,260
June 2006
Posts: 25
Layouts: 0
Loc: South Carolina
| Posted: 4/8/2010 2:55:51 PM
I just bought MTC about 2 weeks ago. Do you think I should be worried? Can they do 'anything' to what we already have? Do you think the free cut files will stay available? I feel as though I need to grab as much as possible for fear of it going away. Guess I'm just worried I spent that money for nothing.
Sherry SC | |
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nanatam
BucketHead
PeaNut 291,906
January 2007
Posts: 781
Layouts: 0
Loc: southern girl
| Posted: 4/8/2010 3:10:27 PM
I have been thinking about getting SCAL or MTC. Now I'm not sure what to do. Is MTC still selling their product at the moment? Can someone post a link and maybe a coupon for both of them? Also give me some advice as to which one to buy. I have DS and like it ok but need to branch out. |
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aracely
TKD, Black Belt Pea
PeaNut 15,413
May 2001
Posts: 6,414
Layouts: 152
Loc: Westside of Houston
 | Posted: 4/8/2010 4:03:01 PM
i'm fascinated by the fact you can use cricut images without a cart!!! i need to go google that and figure that one out! how cool is that! |
OFF ROADING with the Houston Land Rover Club 2010
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Scrapn Nana
PEAring through my camera lens
PeaNut 272,954
August 2006
Posts: 6,972
Layouts: 19
| Posted: 4/8/2010 4:54:19 PM
Personally, I think it's incredibly hypocritical of Provo Craft to sue anyone for copyright violation after what they reportedly did to the cake lady Linda McClure; but I am also appalled that anyone would help (or at least seem to encourage) others to violate copyright law by using copyrighted designs without paying for them.
For the record, NO ONE is entitled to use someone else's artwork or intellectual property without permission. It's a form of theft. |
My Scrapn' Blog
Photographers are violent people. First they frame you, then they shoot you, then they hang you on the wall; but if you're real good, they will scrapbook you! | |
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krystalstamps
BucketHead
PeaNut 423,696
May 2009
Posts: 637
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 4/8/2010 7:36:01 PM
PC screwed up major by trying to pretend these programs didn't exist. THEY should have came out with one like and marketed it as a machine that can do either one, either use carts or use a computer program or both. THATS why I bought the E. But, they didn't and since they made that decision, they've been fighting a losing battle. |
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ladytrisha
AncestralPea
PeaNut 23,636
October 2001
Posts: 4,212
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 4/8/2010 10:43:04 PM
wouldn't you have thought that in all this time that SCAL and MTC have been out and selling like little hotcakes, that PC would have done SOMETHING to beef up DesignStudio and actually have it perform something with a bell and/or a whistle? Alas, not so much. They don't even try ... yet they sue the people who are clever enough to go "why not do this" ... I'm a SCAL fan from the get go ... and I still buy the cartridges ... I'm the customer that PC doesn't think will do both - but there's quite a few of us out there.
Xyron and PC ... seriously need to go into business and implode because their corporate mentality is -150! |
Trish
Simi Valley, Ca.
Enjoying paradise with my hunky Hawaiian hubby for over 31 years;
Proud Scout Mom to my Eagle Scout Brian!
If its Sunday - its NASCAR in the house! #48, #24 & #14
Fast men in fast cars -- WOOHOO!!
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Just Lizzy
Original Pea #5005
PeaNut 19,817
August 2001
Posts: 20,125
Layouts: 54
Loc: On the rocky shores of life... AKA Mid-Missouri
| Posted: 4/9/2010 5:06:23 AM
Isn't this AMERICA?
Yes, and we have copyright laws for a reason. If MTC does in fact violate those laws, then Provo Craft has every right to sue and prevail in a court of law.
if Microsoft was the only company ever allowed to legally make programs for PC's, where would we be today?
Apples and oranges. Microsoft does not manufacture the hardware you run their programs on. Companies develop different types of software to run on computers. Unless they are using programming copyrighted by Microsoft, they aren't breaking any copyright laws.
The difference here is that Provo Craft manufactures both the Cricut hardware and the copyrighted software. They aren't saying that other companies can't develop software to be used on their hardware, only that you can't use their copyrighted designs.
Does the phrase intellectual property ring a bell? Under intellectual property law, owners are granted certain exclusive rights to a variety of intangible assets, such as musical, literary, and artistic works; discoveries and inventions; and words, phrases, symbols, and designs. Common types of intellectual property include copyrights, trademarks, patents, industrial design rights and trade secrets in some jurisdictions.
Just for the record, I don't own a Cricut nor do I have any interest in owning one. I just hate to see everyone jump on the bandwagon of demonizing a big company for trying to protect their rights. |
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Craftydolls
BucketHead
PeaNut 433,893
August 2009
Posts: 792
Layouts: 6
Loc: Eastern Shore of MD
| Posted: 4/9/2010 6:12:23 AM
Yhanks, JustLizzy, for making some important points. PC would be foolish not to protect their interests. Crafters often flirt with copyright laws, but there are times people get caught. Guess it's up to the courts to decide if this is one of those times. | |
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hilsmom
Professional Hobbyist
PeaNut 292,577
January 2007
Posts: 5,245
Layouts: 50
Loc: In the deep-fried south.
| Posted: 4/9/2010 8:33:48 AM
The difference here is that Provo Craft manufactures both the Cricut hardware and the copyrighted software. They aren't saying that other companies can't develop software to be used on their hardware, only that you can't use their copyrighted designs.
That. In a nutshell.
The contents of the Cricut cartidges is copyrighted. It is someone's artwork, for which they have been paid. It is how that artist makes their living. We would be all up in the air if their drawings were taken and used without compensation, wouldn't we?
I do use SCAL. I use it for my TTF's and occasionally the free SVGs available on others' websites and blogs. If there is an SVG file I want that requires payment, well, then I pay for it. I wouldn't go into a retail store, pick up a Cricut cartridge, put it in my pocket, and just walk out without paying. JMHO. |
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AngelJunkie
AncestralPea
PeaNut 45,810
August 2002
Posts: 4,414
Layouts: 13
Loc: Over the Hill and Enjoying the View
| Posted: 4/9/2010 9:26:01 AM
Wow! Just wow. The Cake Lady's story, if it is true, there's all kinds of crappy corporate dealings there.
ETA: Oh, duh. I see (from other threads) I come verrry late to this story.  |
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StreetScrapper
AncestralPea
PeaNut 251,919
March 2006
Posts: 4,838
Layouts: 18
Loc: Toronto, Ontario
| Posted: 4/9/2010 11:42:43 AM
PC screwed up major by trying to pretend these programs didn't exist. THEY should have came out with one like and marketed it as a machine that can do either one, either use carts or use a computer program or both. THATS why I bought the E. But, they didn't and since they made that decision, they've been fighting a losing battle.
Thank you! I agree 100% with this statement. In fact, I bought the Cricut years ago because PC advertised that they would be making it computer compatible. Instead they brought out Design Studio meaning you can use your computer WITH YOUR CARTRIDGES. I hope they lose their fight! |
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@home_scrapping
BucketHead
PeaNut 251,858
March 2006
Posts: 653
Layouts: 23
Loc: So. Cal.
| Posted: 4/9/2010 1:00:17 PM
The contents of the Cricut cartidges is copyrighted. It is someone's artwork, for which they have been paid. It is how that artist makes their living. We would be all up in the air if their drawings were taken and used without compensation, wouldn't we?
I agree with you on this. Someone created those carts. The designs were someone's ideas and art work. Copyrighted art work. No matter how some of you feel about PC and how they may run their corporation, IMO, it doesn't make it right to infringe on copyrighted material. I don't know every specific on this but it sounds like the creater of the software over stepped his boundaries with PC. I'd be pissed if someone created software that allowed people to avoid buy a central pieces to a machine I created. I get why PC is suing. And they should win.... |
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farley123
PeaAddict
PeaNut 130,343
February 2004
Posts: 1,162
Layouts: 132
Loc: Chicago
| Posted: 4/9/2010 3:29:54 PM
so MTC software can now be used to manipulate items from our cartridges?? That is one major thing I've been waiting for.....I have multiple cartridges that I would like to manipulate/edit...as well as download other SVG's from the internet and use free fonts I have already on my computer. | |
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TheBiscuitScraps
Bubbie is my most prized title.
PeaNut 99,833
August 2003
Posts: 5,226
Layouts: 2
Loc: Raleigh, North Carolina
| Posted: 4/11/2010 10:02:57 AM
PC has horrid customer service. Customers have been clamoring for a Cat cart for years. NO cat cart. Such a simple request to fulfill. Their Design Studo is a piece of crap software. It has never even had basic 21st Century technology to manipulate the designs from the carts we already own.
When the Gypsy came out too soon....they launched it before it was perfected....they didn't care about their custmers who were having problems.
They did to the "cake lady" what they say others are doing to them. I hope the lawsuit come back to bite them sooooo big time in the rear end.
3rd party software, now, is here to stay. Open source is the wave of the future. The world is so much more high tech than PC wants to admit. They are just trying to make a buck of people who don't have a clue. That can only last so long....since more "grannies" are becoming more high tech and unafraid computer every day.
Had PC opened up just the ability to use TTF/dingbat on the computer and giving CDS a design indicative to the 21st century, I don't think they would be seeing the 3rd party software infringing on their territory.
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mlamarre
PeaFixture
PeaNut 150,625
June 2004
Posts: 3,454
Layouts: 453
Loc: Sunshine
 | Posted: 4/11/2010 10:32:59 AM
I'm shocked and dumbfounded by the amount of comments that thinks it's ok for someone to violate copyright and intellectual property.
Having a bad customer service experience, or a software that doesn't meet your needs is not an invitation to violate copyright.
What people seems to forget Provo Craft introduce this software out, the machines that makes it so much easy to create.
PROVO CRAFT CREATED these items that people are violating!
Example you planted a garden, you pull the weeds, you fertilize, now it's harvest time. Someone else comes in and say nope I'm taking them...
Copyright laws exist for this reason.
Open source is open on sources that are not copyrighted, or sources a company decides to make public.
Having the ability to cut ding bat has to be work out by the Artist as well, they have to be compensated for their work.
These dingbats are mostly available for personal use,you and I can dl to our heart contents etc.. when a commercial company uses those they have to acquire a license for those.
Maggie |
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chrispeas
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 252,090
March 2006
Posts: 8,760
Layouts: 8
Loc: Beautiful South Orange County, CA
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TheBiscuitScraps
Bubbie is my most prized title.
PeaNut 99,833
August 2003
Posts: 5,226
Layouts: 2
Loc: Raleigh, North Carolina
| Posted: 4/11/2010 10:59:45 AM
When I plant a garden, I go to the plant store and buy seeds. I have a harvest of crops and let several of those plants go to seed. I then harvest those seeds and replant the following season. I bought the right to the seeds in that envelope and can use them over and over by simply harvesting the seeds.
When I purchase a CD and I want to use the songs on that CD on a compilation of songs that I harvest from several of my CDs I have PURCHASED, I'm able to do that without buying a another CD ....well that CD would not exist because no one knows what songs I want played in a row in my car.
Neither of those examples is infringing on copyright law.
When I buy a Cricut cartridge, I own the rights to that cartridge to cut as many cuts as I want. With Design Studio I can download and manipulate all I want to manipulate in a VERY antiquated piece of crap software. I own the rights to that cartridge. MTC has given me, in a third party software, the same ability, only better, to manipulate the same image from a cartridge I already own.
Open source allows me to use a dingbat font that is FREE for personal use. I also can purchase other dingbat fonts....just as PC has purchased and placed on their carts. In fact, they purchased some and when they found out their tech savvy customers were purchasing the same images for FAR less than their carts to use on MTC and SCAL, they paid more and bought those dingbats out.
When I buy a printer and capture an image for my own use, no one has come to sue me for capturing that image for my personal use. They can sue me if I try to sell it or pass it out to others.
MTC has given those of us who own PC cartridges the ability to back up what we have already paid dearly to back up and utilize for our own personal. If I copy someone else's carts that I have not purchased, that is unethical. If I copy someone else's cart and SELL it I can be sued.
If I purchase sheet music and copy it for my sing group to use, I am violating copyright law. If I purchase sheet music and copy it so I can utilize it with my own guitar/piano, etc. over and over and it falls apart, I can go back to the sheet I have already purchased and make another copy FOR MY OWN PERSONAL USE.
MTC has done nothing more than create a mechanism for me to make copies of what I have already PURCHASED.
If that is illegal, why are copy machines not illegal? Why are tape recorders not illegal? Why are CD recorders not illegal? Why are DVD recorders not illegal?
I don't think the lawsuit is going to fly....at least, I hope not. |
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TheOtherMeg
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 463,585
April 2010
Posts: 2,057
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 4/11/2010 11:00:46 AM
I use Roxio to rip MP3 files from the (copyrighted) CDs I own. I use the MP3s as back-ups and to make my own CDs/playlists. This is legal. If it wasn't, the music companies would be suing Roxio a million times a day. Roxio is not held responsible for what its customers do with the copies/back-up files they make using the program.
I don't really see that the MTC back-up system is any different in general.
I do think MTC may end up having to pay a fine of some sort or rename their back-up program. At the moment, it's called DesignStudio Back Up, and Design Studio is Provo Craft's name.
I think the naming issue is the only one that may give MTC some trouble. The fact that the program makes it possible to back-up copyrighted files is nothing new.
I love MTC, but don't use the back-up feature. It's very tedious, IMO. Personally, I would be happy if PC would drop their suit if MTC would rename, or even remove, the feature. I didn't buy MTC to back-up my carts (in fact, I bought MTC before that feature was added). I bought the program so I could design freely and have all the features that Design Studio should have had when it was introduced; features we have been BEGGING Provo Craft to add/fix since day one.
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aJerseyGirl
[insert clever title here]
PeaNut 246,022
January 2006
Posts: 6,404
Layouts: 97
Loc: New Jersey
| Posted: 4/11/2010 11:56:54 AM
If I copy someone else's carts that I have not purchased, that is unethical. If I copy someone else's cart and SELL it I can be sued.
It's not just unethical, it's illegal. And if you copy someone else's cartridge and not even sell it, that's illegal too. | |
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Dancingfish
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 51,456
October 2002
Posts: 14,093
Layouts: 83
Loc: VA
| Posted: 4/11/2010 12:19:42 PM
The Entreprenal spirit is what our country was founded on. When someone sees a gap in the marketplace and fill it they are doing what makes our country great.. (all while not violating copyright laws)
I don't own MTC or SCAL because I am new to the cricut and figured one thing at a time-- but the more I use it the more I start to wonder if I shouldn't have bought the siloutte???? I want to be able to size my images better-- sure cricut has the size wheel but really when I put 2 1/2 inches that is the width I never know how long its going to be...
Provo craft has its hands in many pots they are a big company so all the whining that we as conumser do : I want a cat cart, I want more mature carts, I want a manly cart-- falls on deaf ears.. Thats the where Entrepreneur spirit comes in SOMEONE WILL FILL THE NEED...
And finally--- no matter what your thoughts are on this subject you gotta admit provo craft is alittle slimey-- they sell carts on their site to people who don't know better for $60 bucks but then own multiple companies on the internet (yes provocraft owns companies working under different names) and sell the same cart for $29.00-- So infact its like saying: Dummies we will take your hard earned money because we have pounded into your head to only buy the genuine article and ohhh for you smart people who know its worth less we will sell you the same thing for less... They are competing against themselves. |
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TheBiscuitScraps
Bubbie is my most prized title.
PeaNut 99,833
August 2003
Posts: 5,226
Layouts: 2
Loc: Raleigh, North Carolina
| Posted: 4/11/2010 12:42:21 PM
And finally--- no matter what your thoughts are on this subject you gotta admit provo craft is alittle slimey-- they sell carts on their site to people who don't know better for $60 bucks but then own multiple companies on the internet (yes provocraft owns companies working under different names) and sell the same cart for $29.00
the Better Business Bureau shows these sites as belonging to PC.
provocraft
cricut
4cricut
cricutmachine
getmycricut
4yudu
They have always been slimeballs when it comes to profit. They don't really care about their customers. |
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aJerseyGirl
[insert clever title here]
PeaNut 246,022
January 2006
Posts: 6,404
Layouts: 97
Loc: New Jersey
| Posted: 4/11/2010 2:37:25 PM
And finally--- no matter what your thoughts are on this subject you gotta admit provo craft is alittle slimey-- they sell carts on their site to people who don't know better for $60 bucks but then own multiple companies on the internet (yes provocraft owns companies working under different names) and sell the same cart for $29.00-- So infact its like saying: Dummies we will take your hard earned money because we have pounded into your head to only buy the genuine article and ohhh for you smart people who know its worth less we will sell you the same thing for less... They are competing against themselves.
Well, you have a choice then. You don't have to buy their products. Personally, I would never pay full price for a Cricut cartridge. Yes, they sell them for full price on their website, but so does Michaels, AC Moore, and other retailers. I wait for them to go on sale, or look for places that have them cheaper, but some people would just buy them at M's for full price. To each his own.
As far as buying the "genuine article", the other places besides the Cricut website don't sell knock-offs. So, I don't know what you mean by that. There are plenty of non-scrapbook companies that sell their products under generic brands for less. That's a common practice.
I have nothing to do with PC except that I own a Cricut, but I just wanted to add that if you think that any of the scrapbook companies are out for something other than profit, you are fooling yourself. They might go about making profit in different ways, but that's why you have a choice as a consumer. | |
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TheOtherMeg
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 463,585
April 2010
Posts: 2,057
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 4/11/2010 3:21:34 PM
I think the multiple companies issue is slimy. All those ghost PC companies are undercutting PC's non-related retailers -- those who do not have access to PC products at the very low cost I'm sure all the ghost PC companies enjoy.
PC is screwing their retailers, especially the small ones who already have a hard time competing with the big box stores, much less PC ghost companies.
Sure, it's perfectly legal for PC to sell under as many names as they want and business is business and the dollar is paramount.
It's still slimy. | |
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TheBiscuitScraps
Bubbie is my most prized title.
PeaNut 99,833
August 2003
Posts: 5,226
Layouts: 2
Loc: Raleigh, North Carolina
| Posted: 4/11/2010 3:28:41 PM
I think the multiple companies issue is slimy. All those ghost PC companies are undercutting PC's non-related retailers -- those who do not have access to PC products at the very low cost I'm sure all the ghost PC companies enjoy.
PC is screwing their retailers, especially the small ones who already have a hard time competing with the big box stores, much less PC ghost companies.
Sure, it's perfectly legal for PC to sell under as many names as they want and business is business and the dollar is paramount.
It's still slimy.
Theothermeg, thanks for this post. I could not have said it better.
There is making profit, and then there is making a sleazy profit. PC has not shown it cares about any of its customers, whether they be retailers or end users. |
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Dancingfish
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 51,456
October 2002
Posts: 14,093
Layouts: 83
Loc: VA
| Posted: 4/12/2010 9:44:12 AM
Jersey- What I meant is that if you go to the PC website they are pretty quick to tell you that you should be only using their products on their machine. Now there are "people" out there (like my mom) who take that to heart-- and would only shop on the PC site or a department store. And no matter how many times I could tell her that ProvoCraft owns Diecuttingmachine.com or Proudparents on ebay she wouldn't beleive me. Its all very sad to me that consumers are being taken advantage of.
And I totally agree-- ALL of them are out to make a $ off us... do you really think all those cute folksy blogs are out there because they like us??? nope because if we like them we will spend money with them!! |
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Amb7412
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 160,610
August 2004
Posts: 5,839
Layouts: 82
| Posted: 4/12/2010 10:18:08 AM
If its copyright infringement then PC has the right to seek action. | |
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TheBiscuitScraps
Bubbie is my most prized title.
PeaNut 99,833
August 2003
Posts: 5,226
Layouts: 2
Loc: Raleigh, North Carolina
| Posted: 4/12/2010 2:00:17 PM
I think many of you will find Tabberone's take on this interesting. From what I understand, Tabberone has been taken to task for ebay selling several times and has won.
Interesting read: A look at copyright law for templates |
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TheOtherMeg
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 463,585
April 2010
Posts: 2,057
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 4/12/2010 3:03:26 PM
USNews also has some interesting info. As I understand the article, if the cartridges do not have any anti-copy software/devices in them (which is different than the images within the carts being copyrighted), then it may very well be legal to copy the images for personal use due to the fair use doctrine that governs the ripping/coping, for personal use only, of MP3s from CDs.
I've asked around, and no one seems to know for sure whether the carts, themselves, have anti-copy software/devices. The "feeling" is no, but no one has ever done any experimenting or anything, nor have they read anything that specifically mentions whatever anti-copy features the carts may/may not have.
It's been interesting to read all the info. I do hope MTC comes out okay. A lot of people love the program, and I really think most of them don't even use the back-up feature anyway.
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~3girls&aguy~
Now what?
PeaNut 924
July 1999
Posts: 5,196
Layouts: 12
Loc: North Texas
 | Posted: 4/12/2010 3:22:22 PM
Carol...that was a GREAT read. Thanks for that link. |
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kim
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TheBiscuitScraps
Bubbie is my most prized title.
PeaNut 99,833
August 2003
Posts: 5,226
Layouts: 2
Loc: Raleigh, North Carolina
| Posted: 4/12/2010 3:22:30 PM
It's been interesting to read all the info. I do hope MTC comes out okay. A lot of people love the program, and I really think most of them don't even use the back-up feature anyway.
I've had MTC from the very beginning. I mostly use it for fonts and dingbats....that is 99% of my use. I haven't even tried the new back up. It look tedious. I have used my MWsnap software for capturing a couple of basic images, but I have not actually used them to cut....just tried out the process. It is much easier to buy the cart if I want those images.
I love my MTC. PC should have given us the capability from the get-go and they would have made a boat load of money. Being miserly is not becoming anyone nor is it becoming any company. |
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grammypeg
BucketHead
PeaNut 269,155
July 2006
Posts: 767
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 4/12/2010 6:50:59 PM
In my humble opinion PC is it's own worst enemy. And they hide behind so many other shopping site names, like we aren't smart enough to figure it out. What I would really like to know is what do they actually have in the cost of a cartridge? And does anyone EVER pay retail price for one of them? I think not. They should really work on fixing their problems with their own products and let other people alone! How are they going to justify letting people decorate and sell cakes using the cake machine, but we can't sell what we make using the baby buy or the E? WTH is up with that? | |
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