Re: obscure derivative works question

On 11/7/96, Drewsquire[_at_]aol.com wrote:
>
> What if Anderson had simply changed all the names of the d characters
> and presented the same story? Would that give him copyright
> protection? At what point do Stallone's characters gain their
> protection, simply from the names of these characters? What sort of
> copyright could Anderson gain for the "basic plot"?

Along a similar line, my eleven-year-old son asked me today if it was permissible to write a "prequel" to an existing story that explained how certain things came to be but didn't use any of the characters or plot of the subsequent work.

Any law professors wishing to make up an exam question based on that scenario can be licensed to do so, with appropriate citation. Apply within for details.

• Vance R. Koven phone: 617-482-3852 *
• attorney at law fax: 617-482-4972 *
• 20 Park Plaza, Ste. 520 net: vrkoven[_at_]world.std.com *
• Boston, MA 02116-4303 *

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