Designers

Designers, such as website or other interface designers, can potentially enjoy copyrights in their layouts or designs.

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Designers should consider whether their clients will own the design or merely license the design. Written agreements are often the best way to specify and clarify the rights of the designer and the client.

Fashion or clothing designs generally are not protectable under U.S. copyright law, though designs of separable elements can be. For example, surface designs, fabric designs, decorative stitching or appliques, might be separable elements capable of independent copyright protection.

Jewelry designs are generally copyrightable if they meet a certain minimum threshold for creativity.