Legal Question in Technology Law in Kentucky
Can such a statement exist that you can agree to in signing up for a fourm? Copyright to forum posts and other information become the property of Wizard101 Central.
1 Answer from Attorneys
It can exist, but it is simply a hoax that is not going to be a valid copyright assignment in most cases.
Written signed documents are needed pursuant to 17 USC 204 to effect a legally enforceable transfer of ownership in a copyright.
"TITLE 17 > CHAPTER 2 > � 204
� 204. Execution of transfers of copyright ownership
(a) A transfer of copyright ownership, other than by operation of law, is not valid unless an instrument of conveyance, or a note or memorandum of the transfer, is in writing and signed by the owner of the rights conveyed or such owner�s duly authorized agent.
(b) A certificate of acknowledgement is not required for the validity of a transfer, but is prima facie evidence of the execution of the transfer if�
(1) in the case of a transfer executed in the United States, the certificate is issued by a person authorized to administer oaths within the United States; or
(2) in the case of a transfer executed in a foreign country, the certificate is issued by a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States, or by a person authorized to administer oaths whose authority is proved by a certificate of such an officer."