Legal Question in Intellectual Property in California

obtaining permission

1)I am using old Valentines' cards

from the 30's/40's in a video I plan

to sell and they have no markings on

them to determine origin,

manufacturer etc. What steps do I

need to take to show good faith

effort so that I can use them?

2) I have a 1950's book from the UK

that lists the publisher. I've

researched this publisher and they

are no longer in business. How can I

get permission to use a picture if

there is no contact?


Asked on 9/27/07, 4:46 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Gordon Firemark Law Offices of Gordon P. Firemark

Re: obtaining permission

In both cases, it sounds like lots more research is required. The works are likely still protected under copyright, so the key will be indentifying the SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST to the original publisher.

Our firm can help. I think it will require a lawyer's direct involvement, not a do-it-yourself project.

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Answered on 9/28/07, 1:26 pm
Johm Smith tom's

Re: obtaining permission

You've probably done enough on the cards and the first thing to do with the book is determine if it is in the public domain in the UK.

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Answered on 9/27/07, 10:22 pm


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