THE COPYRIGHT PERMISSION
AND LIBEL HANDBOOK: A Step-by-Step
Guide for Writers, Editors, and Publishers
By Lloyd J. Jassin and Steven C. Schechter
(John Wiley & Sons, Inc.: $14.95) Previous Columns
"This book is for you if you ever wish to draw on the writings of other people, or if you intend to use someone's else's artwork, photographs, or protected images, in your own written (or multimedia) work. It is also for you if you are an author or publisher concerned about libel and other claims that can be made against you for things you publish." These words from Jassin and Schechter, in their Introduction, are not only true, but words to the wise.
Lloyd J. Jassin is a copyright and trademark attorney and former publishing executive. He has written extensively on negotiating contracts in the publishing and entertainment industries. His offices are in New York City.
Steven C. Schechter is a lawyer with his own intellectual property law practice. He has taught courses in entertainment and publishing law at Seton Hall University School of Law. His offices are in Fair Lawn, New Jersey.
As a working writer and book critic, I found answers to questions in this work that have long puzzled me. For instance: When do I need permission to use someone else's copyrighted work? What are the consequences of not getting permissions? What do I do if I can't find the owner of a copyrighted work? Are public domain works free for the taking? Do dead celebrities and/or politicians have rights? What is fair use? These questions and many others are answered in "The Copyright Permission and Libel Handbook." Some of the authors' answers surprised me and I feel will surprise others as well.
In the Copyright Permission portion of this book you'll find topics of the utmost importance to all authors, editors, and publishers. Copyright basics are discussed in depth as are queries concerning when and how to obtain releases of all types. The explanation on the "Fair Use" law was outstanding. The checklist for "What Copyright Doesn't Protect" is a real eye- opener. In our multimedia age, we must familiarize ourselves with the laws pertaining to all avenues of print, television, screen, stage, and Internet creative works and communications.
The Libel Handbook portion is a treasure trove of information. If you don't know the meaning of a "Defamatory Statement," this is the area to search for an answer. "Name-Calling and Opinion?" What in the world could this be? Better find out and quick. "The Basics of Publicity and Privacy" provided me with items I'd never before considered, but will do so in the future. You will also find help in minimizing libel claims and what to do if you are sued.
In the back of the book additional help is provided. Appendix A tells you "How to Investigate the Copyright Status of a Work. Appendix B relates what is available via your computer on "What's New Online at the U.S. Copyright Office." Appendix C offers a number of invaluable Sample Forms too numerous to mention. These regard such items as a Permission Request Letter, Release Form for Interview, Source Notes/Credit Line Form, etc. In Appendix D you are given "Sample Disclaimers: For Fictional Works, Partly Fictional Works, and Nonfiction Works." In Appendix E a Resources list is offered for further research.
The major benefit of this work is that it takes complicated issues on copyright and libel laws and gives concise and understandable explanations for each. As the Publisher promises, this work is a jargon-free, problem-solving, godsend for writers, editors and publishers.
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