I have a painting from 1975-76 and it is fabulous. I can't find the artist anywhere (Ken Lockwood). Can I make prints myself or would it be illegal?
2006-12-27 05:08:04 · 5 answers · asked by ? 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Painting
In both Canada and the USA, the term of copyright depends on the date of creation.
In the USA, the "life + 70" rule only applies to the copyright of works created after January 1, 1978. For these, copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. After that time, the work passes into the public domain.
The situation is more complicated for works created before January 1, 1978. Since the painting you wish to copy was created before that date, details are important. You need to know whether or not the work was registered (or published) to calculate precisely when the artist's copyright expires. The links below will tell you how to do so, although this can be frustrating to sort out.
Since the work was created only 30 years ago, and whatever the situation the duration of copyright is much longer than that, it is safe to say the artist retains copyright at this time.
2006-12-27 06:31:01 · answer #1 · answered by versus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe after 50 years they become public domain. If you're just making prints for private use I'm sure that would be fine. But if you are thinking of selling them, then you better continue to try to get in contact with the artist or his family.
2006-12-27 13:18:03 · answer #2 · answered by my brain hurts 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as I know you can check it on copyright site, I believ it still suold be under copyright. I think you can make prints but only for personal use, not for resale or profit.
2006-12-27 13:41:57 · answer #3 · answered by Dennis C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
100 years
2006-12-28 04:10:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no clue
2006-12-27 13:15:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋