Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Colorado

Use of Bouvier's Legal Dictionary 1956 Edition

Hi. I run a nonprofit law related website. I have seen the use of Bouvier's Legal Dictionary 1956 Edition on many sites (e.g. Lawguru) and it is said that the use of this dictionary is governed by Common Law Copyrght Law and this material can be used as long as the credit is given. Now my question is, does this mean I can use this dictionary on my nonprofit website as long as I state something like ''Source: Bouvier's Legal Dictionary 1956 Edition''?


Asked on 11/26/03, 3:04 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sheldon G. Bardach Law Offices of Sheldon G. Bardach

Re: Use of Bouvier's Legal Dictionary 1956 Edition

Only if the Bouvier's is in the public domain. Having a common law copyright does not give you the right to use the work. It means that the copyright protection its owner has does not derive from the copyright statute, but from the common law. There is protection, but it is not as extensive as the copyright act provides. You might check whether you fall under any fair use doctrine, i.e. educational. Be careful.

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Answered on 11/26/03, 11:39 am


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