How Public Domain Works

5 replies
Hi All,

Is it possible to republish public domain titles under a different title and a different author? I suppose the copyright has already expired. Also, can i reprint public domain works to either give away to the public or to sell for a profit?

Thanks!
#domain #public #works
  • Profile picture of the author johndetlefs
    Public domain - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

    A quick read says that you're probably fine to do whatever you want with it, but i'm no lawyer.

    Also a lot depends on what country you're in, so i'd be really careful around that!
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  • Profile picture of the author Will Edwards
    With regard to the public domain, you must do your due diligence or you could end up in legal trouble. Just bear in mind that laws differ from country to country. So what is legal in one country is not necessarily legal in another.

    A good example is 'Peter Pan' - public domain in the USA but not in the UK

    Will
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  • Profile picture of the author figgity
    Generally the answers to your questions are yes, and yes. Instead of just retitling a public domain book, it'd be best to just rewrite the content. That way you are safe.
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  • Profile picture of the author johndetlefs
    Yeah that always seemed to be the best bet to me too. Use the materials as a really good base for something that you can turn into an original, if derivative work.

    Seems a bit safer, and also nicer!
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    You only get one shot at life - make it awesome.

    Everyone else also gets just one crack at it - help make theirs awesome too... or, politely step out of their way.

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  • Profile picture of the author johnrone
    You need to research first and verify if the domain and its copyright has already expired.

    If the copyright of the domain has, indeed, expired then you should not worry about using that domain again or rebuild it.
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