Law Office of Alicia Porter

One of the issues that comes up in Alaska frequently is the issue about whether something can be copyrighted or not, particularly as it relates to traditional knowledge. Can you obtain a copyright for your beautiful parka if you have used a design that indicates that it was made in Point Hope? If a basket is woven in a pattern unique to Hooper Bay, can you create a basket like that and prohibit someone else from using the design?

The short answer is no. Traditional patterns that have been used as time immemorial are considered to be part of the public domain, and cannot be copyrighted.  You can only obtain copyright for what is your original design or creation.

Some of the articles that deal with this issue can be found on the attached link.