Re: e-book publishing

On 5/25/2000, Ron. W., Franklin <needtokno[_at_]mediaone.net> wrote:
>
> Does e-book publishing follow the same copyright guidelines as
> traditional book publishing? If so, how does this apply to an
> independent contract relationship, where the author and copyright
> owner is an "independent contractor" and the "publisher" is the
> principal?

Same copyright law applies. The rights to an ebook, whether it is a derivative work based on a hard copy book or is an original work, must be dealt with within the 4 corners of the book publishing agreement. Your assumption that the author is the copyright owner, while true for the work as originally written, is subject to negotation as between author and publisher. You should read "Who Shall Own the Copyright in a Book Contract?" on my site. Click on "Articles for Authors and Publishers."

> Can such a contract contain a clause protecting the publisher from
> legal liability and placing it on the author?

This is one of the many provisions in a book agreement that must be negotiated.

IVAN HOFFMAN, B.A., J.D.
Attorney At Law
Lawyering With Integrity (sm)
Internet Law, Copyrights, Trademarks, Writing and Publishing Law, Web Design Contracts and Law, Business Plans, Web Site Audits, Recording and Music Law. *A Four Times Award-Winning Site.* http://www.ivanhoffman.com/
<ivan[_at_]ivanhoffman.com> Received on Sat May 27 2000 - 14:14:26 GMT