I'm really not sure if this is a dumb question. If I build an illusion (from plans that I bought, or from the Black Book that I own) to use myself, can I sell it later? I'm certainly not building anything to sell, but it would be nice to have the option when it's just taking up space in the garage. My guess is that this is fine, or there wouldn't be a website like magicauction, right?

Thanks!
Mike

Mike, I really don't think there is any problem! Good luck with it! If your prop is well built, it will sell fast! Try to sell it yourself first here on the Café!
Eric

Are you selling the book or plan with the prop? That would be the right thing.

Laci200: I see you point but there is no need. He is not mass producing. He is selling his personal prop. There is no need to include the book which is part of his library collection.

Thanks,
Reynold

Nice to see someone even asking this question. Kudos to you.
License to manufacture and distribute is a tricky issue, most of the answer you are looking for may be in the text of the book itself.
I believe you are referring to Paul Osbourne's books and he has mentioned in other books you are free to build for you own use.
Owning the book is not an endorsement to manufacture and distribute for profit, without a specific agreement with him it generally would be illegal.
Where things get tricky is when you build for yourself and then sell your property later. While this happens all the time you begin to split hairs on the issue of intent.
I wouldn't worry if you do it once in a while but if you start advertising to build to order you would step into the questionable legal as well as ethical area.

I think you are certainly allowed to sell your props that you build from books. (( use them then decide to sell) Building them directly to sell may be a different matter in many cases.

Best,

Tim

I agree. After you build it, use it and run out of space for it, sell it. As long as you're not manufacturing to sell, you'll be just fine.

Good luck. Mark.

Thanks! I appreciate the responses.

Mike