“I really like your intro book; I’ll likely sign on for more. I want to use quotations which appeared in newspaper articles from 1910. Is there anything to prevent me from doing so?”
~ David
Hi David,
There is absolutely nothing preventing you from republishing quotations appearing in newspaper articles from 1910 (assuming the newspaper was originally published in the U.S.).
Just to be clear, anything published in the U.S. before 1923 (including newspaper articles) is in the Public Domain.
Just in case you need reassurance…
“Works published before January 1, 1923, have fallen into the public domain, but works published after that date could still be protected by copyright if the copyright was renewed by registration or automatically by law under Public Law 102-307.”
The above statement was taken from a document entitled “Circular 15t -Extension of Copyright Terms” as produced the U.S. Copyright Office.
If you would like to review this document for yourself, you can do so here…
http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ15t.pdf
In all actuality, pulling quotations from newspapers would most likely fall under the heading of “fair use” as dictated by U.S. Copyright Law anyway – you just have the added security of knowing that the quotations are in the Public Domain to begin with.
Hope that helps.
Thanks David!
P.S. ~ You may also find this issue of “Public Domain Treasure Hunter” magazine interesting. It’s all about Public Domain Newspapers.
About The Author:
 Logan Andrew is an online entrepreneur, information publisher, and author that has been using Public Domain material to create profitable products and businesses since 2001. He is also co-author of "The Public Domain Treasure Hunter's Survival Kit" available here. For more info Logan, click here. |
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
A test is conducted at two different places at different times. However, the same test is used. It so happens that the answers to some of the test questions are posted on the internet by a local newspapers before the second test center (at a different and farway location) has administered it. (I mean couple of sample questions, not the whole thing).
Is it copyrighted although I can freely see it and could pass that along?
Hi confused,
This is a very strange question but I’ll give the best answer I can with the information given. If the answers are of a factual nature (like most test questions are) then they would not be copyright protected as facts do not qualify for copyright protection under current U.S. copyright law.
Hope that helps.