UB Honors

Research Opportunity - U.S. copy-write and Patent laws pertaining to “Celtic Knot Designs”

Posted by hborden on February 18, 2008 in Academics, Research Information and Opportunities

Brief Description/background of project: I am currently working on a project that involves the protection of traditional “Celtic knot designs” from possible U.S. copy-write and U.S. Design patents. As we all know, these simple knot designs have been produced for millennia by peoples who historically were called the Celtic tribes of Europe. Currently, there have been copy-write issues about the creation and use of these traditional designs that are currently being shared by dress makers, craftsman, jewelers, tattoo artists and other individuals who are involved with reconstructing their Celtic traditions; people who feel that these traditional designs belong to everyone as a shared visual product.

Students interested in researching U.S. copy-write and Patent laws pertaining to this form of Design/Art work should contact Kim James Yarwood via e-mail. Academic Credit/Honors Experience available as compensation.

Kim James Yarwood
Academic Advisor
Department of Visual Studies
University at Buffalo
yarwood@buffalo.edu