As has been pointed out so far, so many patterns are variations on a "theme". The odd pattern like the Waterwisp flies are certainly unique enough to be trade marked but to patent and copyright a pattern is just not really worthwhile. Any tyer worth his/her salt can reproduce another reasonable facsimile at the vise from a picture or two of the original. So much for the protection of intellectual property.

I think realistically all an innovative tyer can do is hope for "peer recognition" of their efforts. Even at that, it seems that whenever someone tries to lay claim for a "new" pattern, there will be those who can rightfully claim they have been tying a similar pattern for years now. In many cases, flies are not really known by their "true originator" but rather by their "publicist"!

Guy