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What is the copyright status of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the United Kingdom?
Does the copyright of L. Frank Baum's children's fantasy novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz still apply in the United Kingdom, or is it in public domain?
Bear in mind that copyright tends to expire in the UK 70 years after the death of the owner, and Baum died in 1919, which would place the end of his works' copyright in the year 1989. I just wanted to make sure that there was not some renewal of the copyright or some complication which allows his estate to retain copyright in the UK.
So, are the works of L. Frank Baum, such as The Wizard of Oz, in public domain in the UK?
Thank you.
4 Answers
- 9 years agoFavorite Answer
Actually, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz has been in the public domain since 1956 in Western society. There have been several changed in copyright laws since the books were first published (when they were, there originally was no copyright law). The books fall into the first laws originally set, so the newer articles that have been passed have no legal hold over L. Frank Baum's series.
Any of the Oz books published after his death are under different laws.
- JOHN GLv 79 years ago
It is out of copy right but beware , MGM hold the copyright to the the characters costumes and likeness from the film so if you put on a play and you dress the same or similar as them you could be sued - http://www.craveonline.com/film/articles/170617-wa... - the same goes for Disney films as well.
- 13AcrossLv 79 years ago
You're exactly right. Out of copyright, and in the public domain - not just in the UK, but everywhere.
Source(s): Retired IP lawyer
