Legal Question in Entertainment Law in Massachusetts
writing about famous people
I have an idea to write a trivia book about famous dead people. Can I legally do this, and use pictures of them, without permission?
Asked on 1/10/08, 9:21 am
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: writing about famous people
you can write the book about them, but the pictures require that you obtain permission from the owners of the copyright for the pictures.
If you require more assistance, please contact me.
Answered on 1/10/08, 10:59 am
Craig J. Tiedemann
Kajko, Weisman & Colasanti, LLP
Re: writing about famous people
Your idea triggers certain statutory restrictions and limitations under the Copyright Act, and potentially trademark/tradename/servicemark restrictions, and perhaps others, as well. You need to proceed carefully and deliberately to ensure compliance. Feel free to contact me for a free initial in-person consultation.
Answered on 1/10/08, 3:48 pm