QUESTION
Coauthor died, do I have rights to publish?
Asked on Oct 25th, 2013 on Wills and Probate - Michigan
More details to this question:
My coauthor and I wrote a five book series before her unexpected death this summer. We had a contract stating that if anything should happen all rights go to me, but I cannot find it anywhere. We were in the process of submitting and querying publishers at this time. She died without an heir and is survived by her parents and siblings. She left her writing, and her possessions, to no one. Am I allowed to use her work and to publish our series now that she is dead, or should I worry about her family or others coming after me in court?
1 ANSWER
3 Awards
You need to contact a copyright attorney or intellectual property attorney. I would try to find the agreement but if you can't the issue would be do her heirs inherit her share of publishing rights, royalties, etc. or do you as co-author.
Answered on Oct 25th, 2013 at 11:05 PM
William R. Pelger, Attorney Munhall, Pennsylvania 412-461-1900