Book & Photo Copyrights

[grandaddweey]

I am publishing a book and have obtained a Copyright from a Self Publishing Company. I have a unique situation though. The book was found in an old family trunk and was written by my Great Grandmother. How do I secure complete copyrights on the manuscript and family photos (taken by other family members, as well), so that some 1st, 2nd or 3rd cousin, aunt or uncle don't sue me claiming they have just as many rights to the book, as well because it was their great Grandmother, as well? Is there a "Finders-Keepers" law? I am planning on selling this book in bookstores and online. Thanks!

[Gmcd01]

You cannot secure copyright on something that is not your work (Subject to conditions that aren't applicable here.) In the UK (I'm assuming that's the source of this question) there is no formal copyright registering process, the book was automatically copyrighted to your great Gran (Again, subject to conditions) upon creation. This will run out seventy years from the date of her death (A final assumption is that she has passed away.) No member of the family may sue, as equally, they have no copyright claim...however, the estate of your great Gran can. (Although obviously I don't know who administers her estate.)

[dantheman123]

If you had some proof that the book was willed to you that would make it your property.

[Gmcd01]

The physical book would then be your property, yes, but the words, the layout and typography, the story and expression would still not be your copyright.

[grandaddweey]

Thanks for your responses...I have a couple of other questions. We, as well as the book are in the US. Our Great Grandmother died in 1940, so if the copyright is hers until 2010, does that mean only she obtains the copyright and we have no right to sell the book? We have written the Preface, Acknowledgements, About the Author, Dedication, as well as designed its Book Cover and layout, including photos. Do we also have right to all photos handed over to us by her offspring? If the manuscript was given to her daughter's son (not willed), does he have the right to give it or will it to us for full copyright? Are you Authors or Attorneys by any chance? We haven't talked to any literary attorneys yet, but I'm thinking it might not be a bad idea...

[Gmcd01]

I am a CPS lawyer in the UK, so I don't have overt knowledge of American Law...except to say that whatever we do, you do twenty years earlier...(A good thing). However, I do understand that the USA has a copyright registration system in effect and that changes the whole crux of the question. If I was you, I'd try to find an American board and repost the question. Sorry I can't be of any further help...