Legal Question in Intellectual Property in New York

Change a book by its cover?

I would like to buy a

copyrirght protected

hardcover book (retail) then

apply leather binding then

resell it for a profit.

Do I need the permission of

the book's rights holder to

change the cover (or cover

their cover)?

This question applies

primarily to the United States

and Canada, secondarily to

the world. There was no

such selection on the menu.

Thank you in advance. Your

service is most valuable.


Asked on 11/04/06, 10:45 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Steven Mark Steven Paul Mark, Attorney at Law

Re: Change a book by its cover?

If you're eimply re-selling the book in its entirety and not changing anything between the covers, you're okay. Under the "First Sale Doctrine" you as the initial purchaser can resell the book without fear of a copyright owner claiming infringement. Just don't indicate, directly or indirectly, that the newly bound book is from the publisher.

Read more
Answered on 11/04/06, 12:03 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Intellectual Property questions and answers in New York