Anyone know about copyright law?

[neilmac]

I have an old motoring related book that was an early effort written by someone who later progressed into publishing in a big way.

I am selling the book and have made a copy of it for myself which I believe is OK.

The book is very amateurly produced and printed and has no official markings as to copyright or publishing companies etc.

Would I be able to sell more copies if I were to produce them?

Cheers

Neil

[Eric Mc]

I think copyright expires after a number of years. These periods vary from country to country. Also, copyright can be renewed so the period can be extended. If the author is still alive and/or the original publishing company still exists (or was acquired by an existing publisher), I would suspect that it would be a prudent move to contact the current copyright holder to obtain permission.

I have some experience of copyright issues in the music industry as I used to request performance rights from music publishers when booking shows with my operatic society.

[PetrolTed]

I think the time limit to which you refer is 50 years.

Also, if I remember correctly there's no obligation to put 'copyright' on a work, it's recognised as existing anyway althought I may be wrong on this.

Bit cheeky trying to capitalise on someone else's work like this without their permission whatever the strict letter of the law...?

[neilmac]

PetrolTed said:

I think the time limit to which you refer is 50 years. Also, if I remember correctly there's no obligation to put 'copyright' on a work, it's recognised as existing anyway althought I may be wrong on this. Bit cheeky trying to capitalise on someone else's work like this without their permission whatever the strict letter of the law...?

Quite right Ted!

I have been asked by a third party to make a copy to sell to them for a "small fee" and their thoughts are that other enthusiasts could be interested and I wouldn't want to be out of pocket, that's all.

I'm pretty sure that from enquiries I've made and from what's been said on here that copyright would apply so I will happily leave things as they are.

Cheers

Neil

[simpo two]

Well, you could write to the address given in the book and see what happens. I don't see how else you could try to get copyright permission. If the book's as old as you suggest then it's unlikely you'll ever hear anything becasue the address will now be an estate agents, but you did everything in your power to find out. There's Google as well I suppose.