Re: Re: Copyright & aged stories

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Copyright & aged stories

Comments:
: : : Circa 1956 I read a short story published in a UK SF magazine which stuck with me all these years. I wrote a script based on my memory of the work together with a sequel. Subsequently learning about copyright I have been seeking title/author info on many SF sites with the view of negotiating permission to market. I have not found either author or title yet and the theme seems to have been lost in the past. My copyright research leads me to the belief that works published prior to 1963 the copyright lasted 28 years. So my 1956 read story would be out of copyright circa 1984 unless a renewal was filed. If this renewal wasn’t filed the story would now be in the public domain. Is this correct? : : Dear Mr. Curtis, : : Without taking professional responsibility, it is likely that what you have done, is used the story that you have read, not the mode of expression of the story. It is very likely that as you have described what you have done is not an infringement. : : All works prior to 1923, are in the public domain. : : The changed law has carried on old copyrights. The last revsion change the term to life plus 70 years. I've heard it suggested that it saved Mickey Mouse. : : 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™ : : E arly L egal A dvice I s N ot E xpensive™ : : M. Arthur Auslander : Sir, what does 'not the mode of expression of the story' mean? : Regards : Tony Curtis

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