Re: vintage photo - copyrightable?

Subject: Re: Re: vintage photo - copyrightable?

Comments:
: : I have recently acquired a large original photo of a sports team which was taken in the very early 1900s. This photo was of a semi-pro team that only existed for a few years before its demise. There is no copyright notice, and for a whole host of reasons, I believe there is a very good chance this is the only existing copy of it. : : Question: -- and this is assuming I have the only copy of it anywhere on Earth -- can I register this photo with the copyright Office and get ownership/copyright protection? Just as if it was a "new" photo? : : I've worked in music publishing and taken Copyright Law in the past, so I'm somewhat familiar with public domain, etc., but given these circumstances and the fact it was 1911, it may never have been registered in the first place. : : Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Thanks... : : Will : Dear Will, : Sorry I missed this. You cannot copyright the picture. I'm not sure what the exact critical date for copyrignt safety. I think it is about 1909. Lack of a copuright notice under the 1909, as I recall may put it in the public domain if it were published. As a think about it might be an unpublished work with quick expiring rights, if the are not expired. The current law gives 100 years for registration. : There are things that you can do. : M. Arthur Auslander : Auslander & Thomas-Intellectual Property Law Since 1909 : 505 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018 : 212-594-6900, fax 212-244-0028, aus@auslander.com : ELAINE's Workshop (sm) : E arly L egal A dvice I s N ot E xpensive

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

Do not disclose any details of any copyright or any facts relating to your circumstances. See a lawyer.
Before you post a message you must agree to the Terms of Use.