SUBLIME STITCHING HOME - PATTERNS - KITS - View Cart / Checkout

How can I help? Contact us if you come across CLOTHING or ACCESSORIES FOR SALE IN STORES that bear Sublime Stitching designs in any form (they don't have to be embroidered). BUT! I don't want this be a witch hunt. There are countless crafters (my customers), who sport Sublime Stitching designs on their clothing and accessories. And, I grant a limited license to crafters, my "Angel Policy", who sell goods made by hand with Sublime Stitching designs at craft fairs, fund-raisers, etc. What is your resale policy? Goods EMBROIDERED BY HAND by individuals with Sublime Stitching patterns are permitted to be re-sold in quantities of 10 or less at fundraisers or non-profit events provided that the name Sublime Stitching accompanies each piece. No mechanized or contract sewing is authorized under this agreement, and this offer is not extended to other businesses, designers or individuals selling in volume. If you are interested in licensing Sublime Stitching Designs for your products, please read this. How does this hurt you? When a company steals my work to use on their product, they make money off my designs and I get nothing in return. Also, the item turned up was being made in India and I have no control over the quality of the product, or the fair treatment of the employees. Sublime Stitching is committed to preventing its designs from appearing on sweatshop goods. Are you POSITIVE they're using your designs? I discovered an order on file placed in January of 2004 from this manufacturer for all the patterns that are appearing on clothing. Look at the first sheet of designs with the cats, and click on the red shirt next to it. You be the judge! What should I look for? Look for clothing in stores with Sublime Stitching designs and tags with another company's name, "Made In India" or anything BUT "Sublime Stitching". Even if the tags do say Sublime Stitching, this does not mean they have permission to use my designs and re-sell them to the public. Authorized and licensed designers are listed here. What do I do if I find your designs on clothing in a store? Please contact me via email about it. I will need to know the name and location of the store where you found the item of clothing and a description of the designs used. I may ask you to send me digital pictures or purchase the item (I'll reimburse you). Should I complain to the manager of the store? No, because it really isn't the store's fault. The store is buying clothing from a manufacturer that sells only to store buyers (the folks who stock the store). And, it's not the stores I'm trying to go after, it's the manufacturer of the clothing who sold to these stores. What's the name of the manufacturer who's ripping you off? What stores did you find them in? For legal reasons, I cannot give out the name of the company until it is proven in court. And, I won't name the stores selling the clothing because I don't want them to be blamed for the misdeeds of a manufacturer. I found something labeled Sublime Stitching, but they aren't your patterns. Is that okay? No. Sublime Stitching is a registered trademark, which means it can only appear in conjunction with Sublime Stitching designs. Use of the name Sublime Stitching without permission is an infringement of trademark. What are you going to do? For now, I am trying to turn up as many examples of Sublime Stitching designs on clothing by this company (and any others) as possible. A cease and desist has been issued to the company along with a demand for their profits made from selling Sublime Stitching designs on their clothing. If they do not agree to turn over their profits, a lawsuit will be filed. How did this happen? In August of 2004, an eagle-eyed artist spotted a shirt in a store with my patterns on them. She contacted me to ask if I knew about this since neither my name, nor my company's name didn't appear anywhere on the shirt. She bought the shirt and mailed it to me. I did some research on the manufacturer and discovered that they had ordered patterns from me earlier this year. Then, ta-daa! My designs started appearing on clothing produced by this manufacturer. Didn't you do something to prevent this from happening? Yes, I did. All Sublime Stitching designs are registered with the Library of Congress, copyright notifcation appears on all pattern sheets, and my Terms and Conditions is linked from every page of the Sublime Stitching website. Unfortunately, this doesn't always stop the bad guys. I saw someone wearing clothing with your designs embroidered on them...should I ask them about it? Chances are they are a beloved crafter who has adorned their clothing with my patterns! Please limit your concerns only to clothing you come across in stores. How can I tell if and item is authorized or not? All authorized licensed merchants are listed here. I found an item in a store with a design that sorta kinda looks like it could be yours. I'm looking for designs that you look at and go "Hey! I know that from Sublime Stitching!" If you are looking hard to see the similarity, don't worry about it. Yikes! How do I copyright my own work? How much does it cost? It's really easy, and only $30 a pop. Only if you register your works can you sue for lost profits when someone rips you off. So register your original designs today! All the info, forms and every question you have is here: US Copyright Office I'd love to make a donation to aid your legal costs. Is that possible? I'd much rather you buy some patterns. They're only $3! That way, you get something in return and the increased business really does help me. Many of you have kindly offered to donate to a fund, and I truly appreciate it. But this way you can help me financially, and get yourself some really hip embroidery patterns! Thank you for your help! Theft of this kind hurts all small businesses and designers. If artists don't fight back, it just makes it easier for them to do it again! And again and again....