The Copyright Handbook (How to Protect and Use Written Works)

Copyright law is a complex field, and it's crucial for writers to understand what's entailed. Stephen Fishman covers what a copyright is, how it's created and protected, limitations and transfer of ownership, how long it lasts, and what copyright infringement is all about. There are chapters on copyright registration, copyright notice, and how to deal with errors or omissions. Fishman also wades into the issues of derivative works and compilations, works for hire, and jointly authored works. He also tackles the confusion of copyrights in the online world of electronic publishing; the book is worth its price for this chapter alone. The appendix contains a variety of sample forms and blank forms and a PC-formatted disk of the same material.

Attorney Fishman's new handbook is a welcome addition to the copyright self-help arena. Written in an accessible and interesting style, it makes effective use of examples to clarify points and is full of good tips and useful information. Fishman concentrates on copyright protection for printed matter (e.g., books, articles, scripts, songs) and offers one of the better "how to " sections on copyright registration. His handbook reflects current changes in the usual copyright topics (copyright notice, infringement, fair use, works made for hire, transfer of copyright), Fishman also handles less obvious aspects (Should you put a copyright notice on material submitted to a publisher? How does "rule of doubt" work in copyright registration?). This is a good basic source for writers, publishers, researchers, and the public in general. Includes forms. Recommended for any collection. See also L. Ray Patterson and Stanley W. Lindberg's The Nature of Copy right, reviewed on p. 96.--Ed.
- Johanna Johnson, Dallas P.L.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.