My first question is; when purchasing and using commercially
produced jewelry wax patterns, would it not be violating the
trademark rights, or copyrights of the wax pattern producer if a
jeweler placed their own personal manufacturer's mark on a piece of
jewelry they cast from a commercially bought wax pattern?
Good question, Larry. The manufacturer’s mark required by the FTC
(Federal Trade Commission) is in connection with the metal content
and has nothing to do with the design or copyright. They want it
there so if there is an issue with under-karating they know who is
responsible.
Also, do commercial wax pattern producers usually retain any other
rights, or place any restrictions on the marketing of jewelry cast
from their wax patterns?
I would imagine that any that did wouldn’t sell very many wax
patterns! Some if not most however, might have a problem with someone
creating a mold of their piece and then marketing it as a wax
pattern.
Dave Phelps