Foreign Country Copywrite Permission

[Karen M.]

I want to copy a photo for quilting from a book that doesn't state who the publisher of the book is and it only has the author of the book and no contact information of any kind. There is an acknowledgements page that lists the Ministry of Information of Saudi Arabia as helpful in assisting the author with the book and several individuals who helped with translation and encouragement to make it happen. I have gone online to find a way to contact the author and can only find references to his many other books on Arabia and it's culture. He is French and I can't even find any biographical information on him. I did find this book listed as out of print (I can't find a publishing date though) and can be found in rare book stores occasionally. The book is full of photos of bedouin tribes in Arabia that are just wonderful and would be inspiring to quilt sometime. Anyone have any ideas for searching for information? Karen

[Karen M.]

[Karen M.]

(Insert Husband Opinion Here)

Legalese Method: Contact a lawyer and have a search done from which you will generally protect yourself should that author appear later to haunt you. You would then have legal proof that 'due diligence' was done in searching for permission to utilize the work.

Fuzzy Feelings, We're All Friends Here - As long as what you produce does not benefit you in any substantial way, you're good with playing with the designs from that book.

Inspiration from another work of art doesn't beholden you to that artist technically. As long as you acknowledge that artist (the author if the picture isn't accredited) you are doing your part in promoting that artist's work.

As to tips on finding the author...since the book seems based in Saudi Arabia, contacting the Saudi Arabian Embassy for information about a contact in the Cultural office might be the way to go.


http://www.saudiembassy.net

My experiences with Embassies have been very good, they are more than happy to help educate and promote their countries!

(Husband Rant off)

Jean's husband in Windsor, ON

[Karen M.]

Sorry for the slow reply to your post.....houseful of family this weekend.
Thank you so much for your DH's information. I haven't contacted the Saudi Embassy as yet, but that is a good idea. My SIL is a lawyer and I will have the conversation with him next weekend. I'll post further when I have more information. Thanks again