Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Florida

Book Summaries

I am confused about the use of ''derivative works'' and ''fair use'' for coprighted materials. If a company offers a book summary subscription, should they ask permision from the author/publisher?

I read somewhere that if the book summary is no more than 4 pages long, then permission is not required. Is this correct?


Asked on 5/13/02, 11:59 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Bruce Burdick Burdick Law Firm

Re: Book Summaries

The book summary is most likely a derivative work. There is no 4 page rule. Each case stands on its own. It would depend on what those 4 pages contained and what the book contained. An unauthorized book summary is risky under copyright laws.

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Answered on 5/14/02, 3:24 pm


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