Fischer's Dead - Long Live Copyright Infringement !

[Sean Evans]

Now that Fischer can no longer defend his copyright, looks like it will be a free-for-all on Fischer books

My 60 Memorable Games: Bobby Fischer

[Dann Corbit]

Now that Fischer can no longer defend his copyright, looks like it will be a free-for-all on Fischer books

My 60 Memorable Games: Bobby Fischer

There are two possibilities:
1. There is still a valid copyright on Fischer's work owned by someone (e.g. next of kin).
If that is the case, I guess that Batsford will pay those owning the copyright.
2. There is no valid copyright (e.g. Fischer has no next of kin who own this copyright)
If that is the case, who shall they send money to?

In either case, I do not think that Batsford has done anything wrong.
What do you suppose is the best course of action?

[Sean Evans]

There are two possibilities:
1. There is still a valid copyright on Fischer's work owned by someone (e.g. next of kin).
If that is the case, I guess that Batsford will pay those owning the copyright.
2. There is no valid copyright (e.g. Fischer has no next of kin who own this copyright)
If that is the case, who shall they send money to?

In either case, I do not think that Batsford has done anything wrong.
What do you suppose is the best course of action?

That is ridiculous, this was already tried before by John Nunn and Fischer got an injunction from the courts. Fischer has a wife and two nephews, so there is certainly someone who controls Fischer's copyright to the 60 Games book.

Batsford is just trying to publish a copyrighted book before anyone else does

[Cubeman]

I think you missed the point Dan was making.He is saying that Batsford may be paying his Wife, Child?! next of Kin.
I don't know what arrangement Batsford have with those owners of copyright.Unless you know otherwise then it is just speculation.

[rlsuth]

How long does a copyright on a book last?

[Dann Corbit]

A long, long time:
http://www.copyright.cornell.edu/public_domain/

[rlsuth]

A long, long time:
http://www.copyright.cornell.edu/public_domain/

If I understood that right, it's 70 years from the date of RJF's death. Batsford still have a way to go then, unless they had some previous arrangement. Also, Batsford is a British publishing house, so what are the rules with regards to copyright in Britain? Does American copyright hold any sway over there, or does the copyright need to be taken out in each country? Seems a bit cumbersome if it does.

[Henrik Dinesen]

Here in DK it's between 25-50 years... after the death of the author.