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[Michael Ball]

Ovaltine used to own the copyrights and trademarks for a radio show (and its products) called Captain Midnight and the Secret Squadron.  In the year 2000 they voluntarily let the copywright and trademark for Captain Midnight expire.  One premium was a code manual for children with cover art that I would like to use for my book.  Is it free to use?  Can  someone else come along and get a new copyright or trademark?
Thanks for all your help.
Michael

[Isaac]

Are you sure that the copyright was allowed to expire?
Trademarks expire after a relatively small number of years
of non use/non renewal, but copyrights are a bit different.

My understanding is that pre 1964 copyrights had to be
renewed at the 28 year point, but were then good for an
additional 47 years.  But in that case, the math does not
work out for a 2000 renewal being required.  I'm guessing
that the copyright might still be active.