Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Massachusetts

Author vs Editor Copyright law

I recently finished my book.

It was electronically registered with

both the US-LOC and the WGA-East.

It will be printed soon.

I gave the manuscript to 2 people to

review

One wants the actual DOC file so he

can �EDIT� it. Perhaps rewrite some

dialogue, etc. before I print it.

I hesitate, since this may

compromise my copyright on the

material, and cause complications as

to ownership of the property if I

incorporate some of his changes.

This is a friend and I don�t think he�ll

lay any claims if I have some success

with the book� but I�ve been

screwed in the past by some NY

producers who professed to be my

�best� friends over things I wrote.

Any thoughts?


Asked on 5/20/09, 11:32 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Lawrence Graves Coolidge & Graves PLLC

Re: Author vs Editor Copyright law

This should not create any joint authorship issue, but it is certainly safest to put in writing the nature of the relationship through a work-for-hire agreement (with back-up assignment).

Best wishes,

LDWG

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Answered on 5/21/09, 10:56 am
Warren Wood Law Offices of Warren Wood

Re: Author vs Editor Copyright law

Do nothing without the legal advice of a good intellectual property attorney.

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Answered on 5/21/09, 12:35 am


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