Copyright of War Time photographic negatives
 

Hello All,

I am a new arrival and I hope that someone is able to give some advice or pointers about the following query re: copyright. I have tried to look elsewhere, but the answers I get seem to be conflicting!

About three years ago I acquired, through purchase online, a collection of negatives, ranging in date from about 1912 (a few) to about 1955 (several). The bulk of the collection dates from c.1932 to c.1945 (many!)

I believe, from other paperwork that was in the box, that the photographer was a lady who died in about 2000, having taken the photographs as personal shots.

I would, at some point, like to use the photographs in a book or in local history talks. As I now have the negatives, through purchase, do I have the copyright? Has the copyright lapsed, and if so, can I resurrect it in my own name?

Many thanks in anticipation

Interesting question, wish I could help. Someone must have a definitive answer, have you tried getting advice from a museum or perhaps the National Trust or English Heritage? They must run up against this sort of thing all the time

That is a good idea! I will give it a try if members of this forum cannot come up with some advice.

Many thanks for the suggestion.

This is one where you'd probably need to get proper legal advice if you intend to make any money from these photos. A letter to a responsible photo magazine may get a reply as it would be an interesting subject for them to print the information in the magazine as this topic must come up quite regularly.

Generally, I think copyright doesn't lapse until 75 years after the death of the artist but whether you bought the copyright when you purchased the negatives from the lady's executors without specifically stating it at the time is an interesting legal point.

Adey,

Another good suggestion. Many thanks.