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Copyright question

by robert11
4 replies
Hi, I was searching on google and found a pdf file with some good info relating to my website. Are there any legal issues if I give this pdf file away when someone subscribes to my email list? There is nothing in the pdf that says it is copywrited, and nothing that says you cannot give it away.

Thanks
#copyright #question
  • Profile picture of the author Ken Strong
    I'd still check first with the author/owner of the file to make sure.
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  • Profile picture of the author activetrader
    It depends. If you found it in public domain then it is not copyrighted, such as a scientific publication by a non-profit, a government agency, etc. those are all in public domain
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    Me

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    • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
      Originally Posted by activetrader View Post

      It depends. If you found it in public domain then it is not copyrighted, such as a scientific publication by a non-profit, a government agency, etc. those are all in public domain
      Most gov't publications are public domain, but not all. You should never assume public domain.
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      Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Since 1979 (I think was the year) a copyright notice doesn't have to be present for a work to be copyrighted. Original works are considered copyrighted by virtue of being published.

    If there is contact info (check the file/properties as well as the visible text) I'd contact them and ask permission.

    Bottom line is, it doesn't matter how you found it, if isn't identified as public domain works and giveaway rights aren't included, it's not your property and wouldn't be legal for you to give it away.
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    Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

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