Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Minnesota

I am an independent small book publisher and an author. I have written a book which is a devotional for women and I'm adding new material for a revised edition and another print run. The book consists of many quotes from women, both deceased and those living today. Some of the current women have their own books, Bible studies, are conference speakers, etc. I got their quotes off the Internet. Is there some law that requires me to get written permission to quote these women or is there a certain amount of quotes (or a certain portion of the entire book) that will allow me to use these quotes without written permission either from them or their publisher? Some of the women are very high profile. I have written to them and some don't respond. If I've written and they haven't responded, can I go ahead and use their quotes? Others want me to jump through hoops (page number in their book, etc. and other information I don't have.) Others I can find no contact information for, so I can't reach them to ask permission. I don't want to be sued. What can I legally do? Thanks for your time.


Asked on 3/27/11, 11:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Ross Brandborg Brudvik Law Office

Copyright law while on the surface is relatively simple, however it becomes complex when examined in detail.

I have these concerns:

1. Your book seems to be "for profit?" Meaning you are making money on the book?

2. The quantity of the book that consists of these quotes.

Generally cited quotes used in a non-profit, or educational setting are tolerated. However if you are selling the book for profit you could run into problems with the copyrights. And if your book consists of mostly quotes and no original work, this also can be a problem under copyright law.

In the end, if the book is being sold for profit, I would advise getting permission to use the quotes.

Read more
Answered on 3/30/11, 1:10 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Intellectual Property questions and answers in Minnesota