Royalty Free Content As Value Adds – Episode #074

Thanks again for another great episode of GetPublishedTV.

I just thought I would reiterate your point about the importance of knowing the law carefully before publishing a public domain work. The law, as you mention, differs from place to place. And it can get complicated.

For example, I believe that, in Australia, the relevant period has been extended from 50 years after the author's death to 70 years after the author's death (I vaguely recall the extension had something to do with the US Free Trade Agreement).

I think the trend is toward extending the period of copyright rather than shortening it. In some countries, the extension of the life of copyright may apply retrospectively (in other words, a book that was once out-of-copyright might now be back in copyright). So it's important to know the currently applicable law.

These differences become important when you are providing the public domain book to a global audience.

For example, say you put up a public domain ebook on your website. The book might be out-of-copyright for readers in Australia but still in copyright for readers in, say, the UK.

You do not want to get into the situation where you might be held to have been authorising infringement of someone else's copyright. An appropriately worded disclaimer, which puts the onus on the person downloading the book to check their local copyright laws, might be prudent.

I have several public domain works on my website at http://www.write-better-english.com (look for "How to Write Clearly" and Fowler's "The King's English" under Resources > Books (full text)). At the bottom of every page of these public domain works you will see a disclaimer that a lawyer-friend of mine suggested I add.

Hope this helps.

I think if I republished a book and got all the money for it, I'd feel pretty guilty. I'm with Dale in that aspect. I do have a question though. Does the royalty free year change? Like in 50 years is it still going to be 1923 or will it be like 1980?

Hi Conner, great question but I am not 100% of the answer. I assume that it will eventually change. I also remember reading somewhere that moving forward, it may be 50 years after the persons death the content will be put into the public domain. Thanks again for watching, Dale.

Your comments about copyrights applies to other art forms as well, including; written and recorded music, visual art, etc.
I feel crediting others for their original work is the conscientious thing to do, and I believe ANY artist with values would abide by this..........this is certainly true in my industry as a professional musician.

Thanks for allowing me to voice this ~ Joyce

Hi Joyce, I totally agree with you, and nice to have your perspective from another industry. Dale

Interesting this should come up today. I've just finished reading a book that was derived from royalty free content. Thanks for another great episode Dale.

Hi Karen, glad the information is so relevant for you. Dale

this is an awesome tip. wow. thanks so much Dale

Hi Tommy, great glad you liked it! Dale