Frequently Asked Questions - copyright
Only after securing permission from the composer of the figure (and if different, the photographer who took the image).
Not without permission from the original author, unless the author has specifically put them into the public domain.
Most copyright law contains certain exceptions, which in the U.S. come under the doctrine of “Fair Use.” Although the law is (intentionally) somewhat vague about the specific boundaries of “Fair Use,” teaching an origami figure to someone else informally is generally considered acceptable.
That would be considered commercial usage for which permission must be obtained from the composer.
No. a reproduction of a creative work is considered a derivative work no matter how it was derived and the original composer retains rights in the work.
No. A modification of a creative work is considered a derivative work and the original composer retains rights in the work.
If the figure is explicitly noted as a traditional figure, yes. If the figure was composed by an individual (who is usually credited in the book), you may fold it for personal use but commercial usage of the origami figure requires permission from the composer of the figure.
No. An author can give his/her work away while still retaining control over other forms of distribution.
Not without permission of the author. Video instructions would still be considered a "derivative work" of the original.
You should demand to see written permission from the original authors. The vast majority of diagrams from web sources (e.g., eBay) that are claimed to have resale rights, don’t.
There are several documented examples of simultaneous composition in origami, particularly among figures of a highly geometrical nature. (This situation is analogous to two musical composers independently composing the same melody; it’s rare, but does happen.) If the figures were composed independently, each composer has the right to assign rights to his/her own design.
No. You may find them useful for understanding general issues, but for any specific legal question you should contact your own lawyer familiar with the relevant laws in your area. In particular, copyright laws vary somewhat from country to country.