Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Nebraska
Publishing emails written to me withoug sender's permission
I am interested in publishing a book which contains many emails and instant messenger conversations with a former lover. I want to know if it is legal to publish this work with these writings that were addressed to me without the express permission of the sender. Thank you.
Asked on 5/24/04, 3:39 pm
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Publishing emails written to me withoug sender's permission
You cannot publish these without the consent of the author. The author of the messages owns the copyright in the messages, even though you may possess the "copy" (be it a regular letter or email). Only the copyright owner has the right to reproduce and distribute the copyrighted work. And that owner is not you.
Answered on 5/24/04, 3:47 pm