Copyrights and Public Domain Information

I've seen some discussion, either on this list or cyberlaw-l, about scanning images or other items from the Net and putting them on a disk to sell to the public. People seem to agree that this would require strict copyright observances.

However, what if I am not scanning items directly, but reformatting them? I operate a Gopher server. Suppose I find a text file on my Gopher server or another one. I want to take it and put it on a CDROM using different software. I probably have to edit it for consistency of style and format. Some text files I alter considerably, use only 1/2 or 1/4 of the document, or insert them in different places--noting proper author credit, of course.  I want to sell my CD to the public. Am I liable? Is this the same issue as the World Library/Pacific Hitech case?

What are the policies (if any) which determine the copyright requirements for something on an online information server? If I can download a document via anonymous FTP, or if the document is on an online information server (a Gopher) where anyone with Internet access can download it, I'm sure that fact that it is publicly available does not relieve me of responsibility for obtaining permission-to-print.

Any thoughts?

Karen D. Frazer

InterNIC Information Services           Ph. 619-455-3941 or 455-3901
Publications Department                 Fx. 619-455-4640
Karen D. Frazer, Associate Editor
General Atomics                         
P.O. Box 85608                          Email: wilsonp[_at_]is.internic.net
San Diego, California  92186-9784              kfrazer[_at_]is.internic.net


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