[Cc-uk] About Chesterton and public domain

David Harris cc-uk at ukitlaw.com
Wed Jul 28 05:28:25 EDT 2004


The duration extension regulations came into force January 1st 1996. Anything 
done before January 1st 1996 cannot be an infringement, nor can copies of 
Chetertons books be infringing if they were issued before January 1st 1995. 
If *arrangements* for publication were made for publication before January 
1st 1995 then anything done subsequently is not infringing.
If it was not possible to find the licensor by 'reasonable enquiry' permission 
isn't required. This is all in the UK Duration Regulations 1995. Is the UK 
licensor for Chesterton reasonably locatable. And of course new editions will 
be affected and potentially reprints.

The situation you describe is of course unfair but falls four square within 
the legislation. If your plans were recently laid as you say then certainly 
in England the licensor would be able to demand royalties. This has 
particular resonance when the talk is now of extending certain copyright 
durations relating to music.

Regards
David
-- 
UKITLaw.com
+44(0)20 8395 7194



More information about the Cc-uk mailing list