Comic Book Plus Forum

All And Everything => General Discussion => Topic started by: oltrecomics on May 30, 2009, 04:10:38 PM

Title: Request about the comics publication
Post by: oltrecomics on May 30, 2009, 04:10:38 PM: Hi everybody
can I translate in Italian the comics of this forum and publish them on my website?

Thank you

PS: Sorry for my bad english but I'm italian
Title: Re: Request about the comics publication
Post by: John C on May 30, 2009, 04:53:10 PM: My Italian is far worse than your English, so no apologies are necessary.

Short version: If your translation is for business, then you should check with a local lawyer first, but probably.

Long version: In the United States, the copyright on books here has expired, so they're in the public domain and may be used for any purpose. For foreign works, the law in most countries says that the shorter copyright term applies. Therefore, if something is in the public domain by United States or Italian rules, then it's free to use. But it would still be smart to ask an Italian (or EU) copyright lawyer, just to make sure you're safe.

If that was confusing, yell at me and I'll clarify.
Title: Re: Request about the comics publication
Post by: oltrecomics on May 30, 2009, 05:56:25 PM: Quote from: John C on May 30, 2009, 04:53:10 PM

My Italian is far worse than your English, so no apologies are necessary.

Short version: If your translation is for business, then you should check with a local lawyer first, but probably.

Long version: In the United States, the copyright on books here has expired, so they're in the public domain and may be used for any purpose. For foreign works, the law in most countries says that the shorter copyright term applies. Therefore, if something is in the public domain by United States or Italian rules, then it's free to use. But it would still be smart to ask an Italian (or EU) copyright lawyer, just to make sure you're safe.

If that was confusing, yell at me and I'll clarify.

Thank you for your reply.
The online publication is not intended or business, but is free. Do I still have to consult a lawyer?
As far as I know these comics are public domain, so are there any royalties regarding them?
Title: Re: Request about the comics publication
Post by: John C on May 30, 2009, 06:55:12 PM: Quote from: oltrecomics on May 30, 2009, 05:56:25 PM

The online publication is not intended or business, but is free. Do I still have to consult a lawyer?

It never hurts (outside the wallet), but it's never required. An Intellectual Property lawyer can tell you exactly what is allowed, whereas everybody here would be guessing.

For example, DC owns the "Cat-Man" name as a trademark, but not the copyright to the Holyoke stories. If you translate those stories, can you use (or advertise with) that name? Is "Gatto-Uomo" or "Signore Gatto" (I warned you about my Italian) a different name? Would the rules change for Signora di Fantasma (Phantom Lady)? A lawyer would know immediately, but I only know enough to ask the question.

Quote from: oltrecomics on May 30, 2009, 05:56:25 PM

As far as I know these comics are public domain, so are there any royalties regarding them?

No. The material is "owned by the public."

However, I haven't had time to look yet, but I'm suspicious about some Fawcett and Nedor/Pines books. Some may be owned by CBS or DC. Nobody has been in trouble yet, but to be extra-safe, you might wish to avoid them.

Best of luck. Oh--When you have released some pages, please be sure to send us the link to the results!
Title: Re: Request about the comics publication
Post by: oltrecomics on May 31, 2009, 10:57:27 AM: Ok, I will do as you suggest. Thank you so much for your attention and look forward to send you the links to my results! :)