CompuServe Messages

Craig: This is a potentially sticky area. If you find a CDROM full of out-of-copyright works of literature, you cannot assume that these files are free for the taking. The case can be made that the electronic version of that literature is – in and of itself – a copyrightable derivative work, which starts the clock over again. Neither can you assume that all data you might get from the US government is completely free of copyright strings. The wisest thing is to determine what works you want to re-publish, then conduct a search of copyright or other property rights. Or find the digital files and purchase the rights to use from their owner. Unless you convert the out-of-copyright files yourself, you may want to consult an attorney. Hope this helps! – Best – Rich Bowers