[altar68]

Hi all,

i was wondering about the copyright law regarding Golden Age comics. For example, most (if not all) of the comics I have looked at on this site usually have a bit of info at the bottom of the first page stating (for example):

"Avon Periodicals Inc., their address, editor, gen. manager etc, cost of mailing out and then copyright 1951 by Avon Periodicals, Inc."

This seems a clear statement of copyright asserted. So how is it that these comics are classified as 'public domain'?

I cannot find any good articles on the internet about this.

Any ideas?

[SuperScrounge]

Pretty sure there are some good discussions/links to copyright if not in the CB+ forum then over at the Digital Comic Museum's forum.

But basically, at the time in the United States copyright was a term of 28 years with the option of renewal for another 28 years. Some copyright holders never renewed their copyrights hence they went into the public domain.

[MarkWarner]

There is a lot on line, and it depends on countries.

As none of the staff are lawyers, or indeed have any legal training we have been advised not to give guidance on the subject. I don't normally take advise, but have grabbed it on this occasion

[altar68]

Thanks all! I can see it is damned complicated. Much appreciated for the replies.