Legal Question in Entertainment Law in New Jersey

Writing a new edition of a book--publishing legal issue

My husband wrote a book in 1982 published by the now-defunct Delilah Books

Publishing Company and distributed by Putnam. We now wish to pitch an

updated 25th anniversary edition of this book to a new publisher. Do we need

any sort of legal permission from the former publisher or distributor to proceed?

The book is copyrighted under my husband's name. Thanks for any helpful

advice.


Asked on 5/24/06, 12:22 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Daniel Miksch MIksch and Fronczkiewicz, Attorneys at Law

Re: Writing a new edition of a book--publishing legal issue

Hello:

I would need more information to give you a better answer. It may be very likely as part of the publication deal with the original publisher that your husband assigned his rights in publication to the publisher for some time period. It is likely that the time period has expired or the rights may have terminated due to the publisher going out of business. It also may be possible that the original publisher sold the right to publish to another publisher. This information can be difficult to find, but I would need more information. Please do not hesitate to email me if you have any further information or questions.

Regards,

Dan

Read more
Answered on 5/24/06, 6:13 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Entertainment & Sport Law questions and answers in New Jersey