Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Florida

Copright Law

I have long been a volunteer reader of Children's stories, a Storytime performer etc.Recently, I ran across a pet story with great current interest. I have taped a draft of this story, using various voices, etc,and strongly believe it has considerable commercial and entertainment value (think Disney, Pixar et al). It was written in the 1918-20 era., and the writer is undoubtedly deceased by now. I sincerely respect his talent andsensitivity exhibited in this story, but would love to see it ''resurrected in this new era. I have no idea if there is any way I could secure the rights to this story, or if such rights are in the common domain (if that is the right expression). What steps might I need to take to attempt to bring this beautiful story to the public, whether with my own performance or perhaps a more professional performance?This is such a tender and important story that deserves telling.


Asked on 12/17/08, 1:40 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lesly Longa Longa Law P.A.

Re: Copright Law

If it's protected under copyright law, you should get permission of the owner of the copyright. To determine if the work is copyrighted, you may need to do a search of records. However, if the work was published in the U.S. before 1923 by a U.S. author it may be in the public domain. Check with the Copyright office or contact me for additional assistance.

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Answered on 12/17/08, 11:42 am


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