Question about potential copyright conflict??

[BlasterBob]

Since we have an abundance of legal experts out here and and we can discuss almost anything in this General Discussion forum, I have a rather simple question concerning making a copy of booklet that was originated and printed by someone else.
About 25 or 30 years ago, one of my old Aunts did a lot research into our family history. She had a small 38 page booklet printed and gave one to each of the relatives who was interested enough to request a copy. Now, she and her husband passed away about 25+ years ago and the booklet shows no reference to any copy restrictions - No copyright.
One of the relatives is now interested in making copies of this booklet to distribute to those relatives who are interested in the old family historical information which ranges from years 1530 to 1980. Does anyone here, who may be somewhat knowledgeable about this kind of reprinting stuff, feel there may be some problem with such a reprinting since the authors have long since deceased and the booklet shows no indication of being covered by any type of copyright???
Please don't bother with the usual BS or comical responses. THANKS

[baglock1]

Hi Bob,

I doubt you're going to have any problems. Legally, there is really no one alive to claim an infringement unless the next of kin decides to claim it as inherited intellectual property. And personally, if my family were the type to do that, I don't think I'd care much about preserving the history of them. YMMV.

Seriously, with no copyright markings, you shouldn't have any problems with it. If the copyshop says they can't do it, tell them it's your product.

[BlasterBob]

Hi Bob,

I doubt you're going to have any problems. Legally, there is really no one alive to claim an infringement unless the next of kin decides to claim it as inherited intellectual property. And personally, if my family were the type to do that, I don't think I'd care much about preserving the history of them. YMMV.

Seriously, with no copyright markings, you shouldn't have any problems with it. If the copyshop says they can't do it, tell them it's your product.

Thank you and I do feel the same way. I'll hold off for a day or two to get just a couple/few more opinions.

[merl]

Hi Bob,

I doubt you're going to have any problems. Legally, there is really no one alive to claim an infringement unless the next of kin decides to claim it as inherited intellectual property. And personally, if my family were the type to do that, I don't think I'd care much about preserving the history of them. YMMV.

Seriously, with no copyright markings, you shouldn't have any problems with it. If the copyshop says they can't do it, tell them it's your product.

bolded the important part.

You making this post have documented a history the next of kin could use for a claim, if they wanted to. It has not been long enough to go public domain by your statement.

If really concerned about it, ask around in the family.

I would add a page though. "created by XYZ in 19xx" should at least be on there. possibly a reprinted by XYZ as well.

that way at least the content creator is acknowledged.

[BushMasterBoy]

http://copyright.cornell.edu/resources/publicdomain.cfm