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"Nearly public domain"

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"Nearly public domain"
Posted by MJ Simpson on Oct-30-02, 01:57 AM (PST)
I've actually got a feature-length screenplay now, and it's an adaptation of an old novel which is NEARLY in the public domain. The book was published in 1897, and the author died in 1915, although I understand he sold the rights in his lifetime. The book was last in print in 1995. According to Project Guttenberg, the book becomes legally public domain in 2004 (although they have the text on-line already, and I think the '95 edition was a 'public domain classics' book, so it's effectively PD already). I'm sure nobody has the film rights because it was only filmed once - in 1918. Assuuming that Project Guttenberg are correct, should I wait until 2004 to start offering this round, or could I do that now, knowing that the wheels of this industry grind exceeding slow and nothing could realistically get into production before 2004 anyway? Any thoughts, anyone? MJ Simpson www.mjsimpson.co.uk
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RE: Nearly public domain, Larry Brody, Oct-30-02, (1) RE: Nearly public domain, Rus McLaughlin, Oct-30-02, (2)

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1. "RE: Nearly public domain"
Posted by Larry Brody on Oct-30-02, 06:19 AM (PST)
Waitaminnit, Simpson. You're the guy with the legal knowledge on the libel issue! I dunno about this one. It's as much a question of judgment as of law, and if my judgment were better I wouldn't have had to get married three times. You've stumped this star. Sorry... Brody
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2. "RE: Nearly public domain"
Posted by Rus McLaughlin on Oct-30-02, 10:25 AM (PST)
Assuming you're talking about U.S. copyright law, I've heard talk that the 90-year rule is going to be argued before the Supreame Court, who may very well overturn the 90-year rule and flip it back to its previous 75 year-level. In which case, M.J., you're made in the shade. Something to keep an eye on. Rus
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