Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Illinois

Publish America Scam

Hi, I am an aspiring author who recently made a trmendous mistake. I signed a contract with a publisher without fully researching them and now I have discovered that they are a big scam agent who mislead their authors and whose claims on their website are illegitimate. I have informed them that I wish to terminate the contract I signed with them on March 15, 2007 and have respectfully asked for my rights back. They are telling me that they will not release me from the contract and will pursue legal means. All I want is the contract terminated and my rights returned. They do not even have my full book, only three chapters of it. What can I do?


Asked on 3/30/07, 2:51 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Donald R. Simon The EIP group

Re: Publish America Scam

I'll need to read the contract, but perhaps they've breached the contract if you feel they've scammed you. Also, depending on the circumstances, there might be a fraud claim... DS

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Answered on 4/03/07, 9:28 am
Kenneth J. Ashman Ashman Law Offices, LLC

Re: Publish America Scam

It is impossible to know of your rights without reading the contract. If you'd like to send it to me, I will take a look at it.

-- Kenneth J. Ashman; [email protected]; www.AshmanLawOffices.com

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Answered on 3/31/07, 5:37 pm
Christopher Haigh IPAdvisors

Re: Publish America Scam

I agree with Mr. Ashman. The contract will be very telling. I just negotiated a very good contract for a client with New Harbinger Press. I know publishing contracts pretty well. Let me know how I can help.

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Answered on 3/31/07, 6:33 pm


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