QUESTION

Copyright laws and public information (see below).

Asked on Aug 07th, 2012 on Intellectual Property - Colorado
More details to this question:
I am an author compiling stories for an inspirational book, featuring recounts from victims and witnesses of the Aurora, Colorado theater shooting, in their own words. Each chapter is a different story, crediting the specific author. I have received permission from all authors thus far, but need to know if online blog posts or specific statements posted on Facebook, online, or on camera for news interviews are allowed to be used to compile stories of people I have not been successful in contacting, but have an incredible story I''d like to share. If I use their quotes, or postings, do I have to get permission? Or can I simply credit the posting or interview? And do I need something in writing from each person, granting permission in order to avoid future risk/liability?
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1 ANSWER

Litigation Attorney serving Greenwich, CT
Partner at Hilary B. Miller
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Brief newsworthy quotes are not protectable under the Copyright Act and may generally be requoted liberally. Crediting the sources is a good idea, but giving credit doesn't make your copying non-infringing.
Answered on Aug 07th, 2012 at 3:42 PM

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