How to go about copyrighting my digital textile designs?

[BitofRain]

I have a textiles degree since 2013, haven't had the chance to work in textiles and have had many life changers happen from then till now like having kids, moving houses etc I don't see myself ever working for a studio or under anyone.

I've recently got back into digital textile design and I have had some of my designs printed from a printed textile lab for a pricey cost. I believe in my designs and think they would sell but have no idea how to do it.

I'm thinking how I can make money from my designs? And how I can copyright them so nobody copies them? My partner suggested I should look into licensing my designs to manufacturers once I've copyrighted my idea, obviously I have no clue about any of this.... I've almost given up on my dream of being a designer but his comments the other day has given me a little bit of hope.

Does anyone have any expertise in this area or some advice to share, ty !

You can get things printed from spoonflowet easily, there may be a UK equivalent.

I already use Maake which is UK based. But that's not my question. 🙋‍♀️

Plus they are eco friendly.

Google is your friend - start with this site..
https://www.gov.uk/copyright#:~:text=You%20get%20copyright%20protection%20automatically,work%2C%20including%20illustration%20and%20photography

It is indeed, thank you!

Spoonflower isn't just printing, it will allow you to make money from your designs, as will Woven Monkey. I get a small income from both these sites

I know someone who does pattern design. They've told me in the past that the cannot advertise their patterns that are for sale, as they just get stolen as soon as they're accessible to anyone to view. Often stolen by foreign countries where mass produced goods are cheaply made, next thing you know you're seeing your designs for sale on Temu or Wish before you've sold them yourself. Of course, at that point no one is interested in buying them, they've been completely devalued.

As far as I know, the person I know has physical pattern books, and has business relationships with companies and buyers where they go and present the patterns in person, with no digital file or photo ever existing to prevent theft.

On top of that, once they've sold a pattern it becomes property of the purchaser, so I don't think they're allowed to use sold patterns as examples of work either - for much the same reason. John Lewis don't want their new Christmas bedding design turning up on Wish 3 weeks before they launch it!

I don't know how you would break into that market without lots of contacts, sorry.

I've used spoonflower a few times back when I was a student, I forgot that they do that. I guess I'll have to check it out again.

Thank you for your input !

Copyright is automatic. I work with seamless pattern designers for my homewares brand so do feel free to pop me a message over as if your designs are what I'm looking for we may be able to partner up.