posted on May 9, 2001 07:56:29 PM new
I used to have an old manual to a popular 1950's piece of electronic equipment. The manuals aren't that easy to come by so I made 10 photocopies of all the pages of the manual before I sold it.
Can I sell a copy of a 43 year old publication without breaking laws and getting into trouble? I haven't offered any for sale yet. These copies certainly aren't that valuable, but they will sell for a small amount.
I read somewhere that a copyright was good for 25 years unless it was renewed, which I seriously doubt this was since it's now considered obsolete, or at least obsolescent.
posted on May 9, 2001 08:06:02 PM new
In my business copies of tech manuals are sold all the time they are offered in trade magazines and some evan sell them on CD.
I have seen these offred on ebay also
As to legality..No I don't think it is legal the manuals I am speaking of all have copywrights and most have statements in front to the extent that these are only to sold to authorized dealers ect ect.
like most items you are ok untill someone complains
posted on May 9, 2001 09:08:08 PM new
The laws changed in 1978 (were liberalized in favor of the copyright holder), and I don't kmow if your 25-year duration under the old law is accurate. Seems a little short to me.
Does your publication carry the copyright symbol? I believe that makes a difference under the old law. I also believe it was necessary to register things with the Copyright office under the old laws -- so you could check with them.
In any case, you can check the Copyright Office site for additional information. Personally I wouldn't list them til I had REALLY nailed the copyright issue down. And you haven't.
posted on May 10, 2001 04:49:49 AM new
loosecannon ... If you decide to list, just make sure you make it clear that you are offering a photocopy and not the real thing. There may be a collector or two interested in the real thing.
I figure that if the experts who visit AW can't give you a definite answer on this, there is no way the eBay drones will be able to make a ruling if you do list it - they can't call a "real" copyright infringement even if it's staring them in the face.
posted on May 10, 2001 05:23:39 AM new
If the company is still in business there may be a copyright issue. However, if the item is no longer being manufactured, or manufactured in signficantly revised form, the copyright may not be enforceable.
posted on May 10, 2001 05:30:52 AM new
loosecannon, I'd be very surprised if you had a problem with the sort of thing you have to sell, but here is a site that offers a lot of basic info on copyright:
posted on May 10, 2001 06:48:02 AM new
Technically it is illegal, but for all practical purposes, the company is not going to worry about it. Technical manuals are NOT a profit making item for any company.
