[Sca-cooks] NPR Segment on Copyright infringement

wheezul at canby.com wheezul at canby.com
Sat Nov 27 14:02:34 PST 2010


I'm no lawyer, but I thought it was very clear in the US that an item in
public domain, like a facsimilie (i.e. reproduction) of a 16th century
cookbook, could not be copyrighted because the original work was precisely
in the *public domain*.  However, derivative works, like translations,
redactions, commentary or historical notes put out by the compiler are
subject to copyright as they are the intellectual property of the creator.

Owners of old books who want to profit from them in terms of reproductions
will do what museums are doing with their artwork (wrong or right) -
limiting access.  But once the cat is already out of the bag it's in the
public domain and free to use.

I found this book useful:

The Public Domain: How to Find & Use Copyright-Free Writings, Music, Art &
More by Stephen Fishman J.D.


Katherine

>>  > On Fri, Nov 26, 2010 at 12:17 PM, David Walddon
>><david at vastrepast.com> wrote:
>>  >> Can you get a microfilm copy?
>
Ranvaig wrote:

> Wouldn't the microfilm version have the same issues of copyright as a
> facsimile paper version?   It might be easier to get permission, but
> I don't see that the media would make a difference.
>






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