how do you search to see if a publication is copyright ??

Answer 1

I think you find out when the author died. If it was 50 or more years ago, then it is no longer subject to copyright laws.

That's why no one owns Shakespeares plays, but you'd need permission to do anything with Agatha Christie's works.

I think!

Answer 2

If the work is a recent one, it's fairly safe to assume that it is. In the United States, for works created since 1978, copyright extends to 70 years after the death of the copyright holder, regardless of notice. In the case of works for hire or anonymous works, it's 95 years from the work's publication or 120 years from the work's creation, whichever is shorter.

For works created before 1978, see the chart in the my source list.

All in all, it's best to assume that a work is copyrighted until you can prove otherwise.

Answer 3

It is.

The second you write, paint, record or draw something, you own the copyright.

Everything published is copyright by someone.

Always cite your sources.

PS good old Donna M - she's right again. Copyright lapses. It used to be 70 years but I think it changed to 50. Or vice versa.

Answer 4

Anyone can copyright any of their own work, you don't need to (can't) register it as long as you have the c symbol, name of owner and date on it.