DearMYRTLE - Everything is Protected by Copyright

Everything is Protected by Copyright

From: MaryAnn Bartlett
DearMYRTLE,
[...] I have a book, a XXXX family book and the only one I have left. I bought it from the couple that did the put-together and had 100 printed. I got #99 and there was one left, in 1988. In the letter she sent with the book, she very definitely said that she was going to put her time in on, I think, about three other family lines. This book deals with her husband's family.

I am not sure if the lady is still a "researcher" or "a descendant being sought" (trying to be politically correct.) However, I searched on the website of the Genealogical Publishing Company and did not find a copy. How would I go about contacting the GPC to see if they would take my copy and make a copy to put in their files for making copies? I ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY do not want my name on it; nor am I seeking any monetary gain. I have tried everyway I know how to contact this husband-wife team but have found nothing. It is a beautiful book and full of maps and documents as well as research. Could you help me, please [...] The book is not copyrighted as best I can tell.

DearBARTLETT,
Even without a copyright statement, the publication you mention is covered by US Copyright laws. The author didn't have to send in a copy to the copyright office for this to be true. Consequently, publishers wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. The Family History Library would only put in on their shelves, and not microfilm it without the author's written permission.

While one may not copyright the original documents and dates, the arrangement of these items in a book might be construed to be by copyright protected. So would the wording of the author's personal recollections about specific ancestors. You can't do a thing with it for 75+ years, depending on what her heirs decide to do. See: http://www.copyright.gov/

Happy family tree climbing!
Myrt :)
DearMYRTLE,
6023 26th Street West PMB 352
Bradenton, FL 34207