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[Mark McCallum]

The main reason I have stuck to making Stewart's puzzles is that he freely says that others are free to make them.  He appreciates being informed on new releases as they are made available.

However, I am interested in making some other puzzles by different designers.  Eric, how do you acquire those rights from other designers and what fee or costs are normally associated with doing so?

What if the designer is deceased?

Mark

[Eric Fuller]

Yup, pretty much what John said.  Ishino's site is a great hunting ground for new designs for me.  Many times he has the email address of the designer displayed.  The Japanese designers are the most difficult to get hold of, but OTOH they are the ones most likely to be happy with a copy of the design in lieu of a 10% royalty. 

I had one occasion where I was unable to contact a designer.  I spent about a month attempting to get in touch with Jennifer Hazelgrove to ask permission to make her puzzle.  Never could find her, but so many other people (low end asian suppliers) had already ripped it off I just went ahead with it.  If I ever find here I have a check waiting with her name on it.  I would not recommend this approach with a prolific / established designer though...

[Mark McCallum]

Thanks for the info.  Pretty much what I thought, but was curious. Ishino's site is indeed a great source.

In particular though, I was interested in making Unhappy Adolescence puzzle by Nob Yoshigahara.  He, sadly, is no longer with us, so now what?

Thanks John, I did not know that the Puzzle Seller/Collector list had changed hands. I will get in touch with Rik and see if I can get a newer copy.  I have the last one that Jerry Slocum published.

[Eric Fuller]

That's a tough one with Nob...I would imagine that after he passed his designs entered the public domain?  Perhaps a good way to handle it would be to pay the 10% royalty to the Nob Award that is given out at IPP's...maybe they will take it as a donation.

If you want a gld standard answer on this one I would email Jerry Slocum directly.  He's probably the most knowledgable guy on matters such as this, and I'd take his advice to the bank any day.

[Mark McCallum]

For published works, a copyright is generally good for the life of the author plus 70 years ( this was extended from 50 years by the Mickey Mouse Protection Act of 1998).  I would think puzzle designs would not be much different. So for this reason I doubt if they are in the public domain.  Japanese laws may be more or less stringent, I'm not sure.  In any case, I think you are right, Jerry Slocum would probably be a good starting point.

I do appreciate your offer, John, but I already have the solutions.  It is a very interesting puzzle with multiple problems, each with a unique solution. None of them are "easy".

[Robert Yarger]

Do any of you know who curerntly has rights to the rubic's cube.  I now it is still copywrited, and the design rights have switched hands a few times, but I have always wanted to make one of these entirely out of wood.  If anyone knows anything about the original designer, it would be a place for me to start.

[Canuck]

Are we going to have to lawyer up

[Robert Yarger]

Maybe I will just make a few for us guys.  There is no legal issues if the puzzle is not sold for profit and just given as gifts.  The carving machine will make the pieces and they will snap together if it is a flexible wood, or I can just buy plastic versions, pull it apart and replace the plastic outer parts with wooden parts, but keep the core.  I have been thinking about doing this for about 4 years now.  Ironically, I never actually solved one of these puzzles without peeling off and reattaching the stickers.

[Eric Fuller]

I'm a peel and stick guy myself.  Sequential Movement puzzles aren't my bag at all...

[Scott Peterson]

I was a Rubik's peel and stick kid - and haven't tried that puzzle again as an adult.  I have thought about it a couple times, but never actually bought one to try again.  However, now we have the internet and the solution/process can be looked up nowadays! 

I already know how I will do this one.  I will sit down with a beer at about 10 PM some night, try for about 45 mins until I have it all scrambled up - then look up the solution, try some more - and finally hand it over to my 3 year old son after I decide I have spent too much time on it!   

[Canuck]

I was on the 'pen forum' just yesterday and the topic came up about someone wanting to use the 'Nascar' theme for a pen and it was said by that to use their logo they charge a 'cool' million bucks and that's just the starting rate!