Has a film from 1928 legally entered public domain? Can I legally copy and sell it?

Question

Spcifically the film is "The life and death of 9413 a Hollywood extra". A client has purchased the actual film reel and wants it transferred to DVD and duplicated for sale.

Answer 1

The answer depends on some key information:

I see from the IMBD profile that the film was published in the U.S. in 1928, which is significant. However, you need to know whether the film was published (i.e., shown in public) with a valid copyright notice (something in the credits indicating (c) 1928 ).

If there was a valid notice, then the only remaining question is whether the copyright was renewed. Copyrights that came into existence in 1928 were subject to a 28 year term or protection, followed by an optional 28 year renewal term (which was subsequently extended).

If the film was not renewed after the initial 28 years, then it is in the public domain in the U.S. If the film's copyright was renewed, then it will not fall into the public domain until 2024.

I hope that helps!