Re: Dracula

From: Thomas Workman <tworkman[_at_]erols.com>
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 10:13:02 -0400

Dan L. Burk <burkdanl[_at_]shu.edu> wrote:
>
> On 07/14/98, Michael Scarpitti <mscarpit[_at_]asnt.org> wrote:
> >
> > I have seen editions printed recently of Dracula that carry a copyright
> > notice, even though they are without notes or any new editorial
> > material. The book came out in 1897. Is it possible to copyright
> > this?
>
> Depends on what you mean by "this."

  A search of the registered copyrights since 1978 reveals 223 registered copyrights for works retrieved with the search for "dracula". Most of these are scripts or works of the performing arts (132 registrations filed on form PA), 22 are sound recordings (for example, recorded books), 41 are for printed works like books, and 28 are for works of visual arts. Some of the books are translations of the original novel into other languages.

   The registration record for one of the TX registrations is shown below. It would indicate that the material being claimed for copyright include additional text and pictures which were added. As I read the record, they are not claiming the original text of the novel (nor could they). If you made printing plates and reproduced this edition of Dracula, you would be violating this registered copyright.

TX-497-077

TITL: Dracula / Bram  Stoker.
IMPR: New York : Jove Publications, 1979.
PHYS: 352 p.
CLNA: M C A Publishing, a division of M C A, Inc.
DCRE: 1979           DPUB: 1Jul79           DREG: 10Oct79
APAU: additional text, pictorial matter: M C A Publishing, a division of
      M C A, Inc., employer for hire.
LINM: NM: "additional cover art & photos. & insert art, photos. & text."

MISC: C.O. corres.
ECIF: 1/B/D//B Thomas Workman
<tworkman[_at_]erols.com> Received on Thu Jul 16 1998 - 14:12:10 GMT