Urulókë wrote:

Stu wrote:

but it isn't editing, it is mostly *transcription*

How do you know? In order to know, you would have to see the original, and in order to see the original you would have to sign the agreement not to disclose what you know or to publish it, so good luck fighting that position in an open court (is my take on this).

It would be for the estate to demonstrate otherwise in court, as it would be the estate making the copyright claim. The court would then make a decision, and it is likely it would drag through multiple courts...

Khamûl wrote:

Urulókë wrote:

Stu wrote:

My personal belief is all of this is moot, and that Tolkien's work will not fall out of copyright in any of our lifetimes.

I agree.

I disagree. I think we'll see publication of early work without permission within the next two decades. Somewhere. And I aim to still be alive then.

Unfortunately free trade agreements have (and will) include copyright extensions. The Mouse will not allow its material to go out of copyright and there are other profitable materials that will be coming up to expiry. Want an IMF loan? Extend copyright. This IS how it works in reality.

Are you planning on being dead by 2044?

Khamûl wrote:

Are you planning on being dead by 2044?

I *expect* to be dead by 2044. The oldest (known) male in my family in the last three generations was 64 (my dad). Most of 'em went before 60. If I make 2040, I'll have done well by my genetic standards!

Well, fingers crossed you get to experience the sunny uplands of public domain Middle-earth...

Stu wrote:

Khamûl wrote:

Are you planning on being dead by 2044?

I *expect* to be dead by 2044. The oldest (known) male in my family in the last three generations was 64 (my dad). Most of 'em went before 60. If I make 2040, I'll have done well by my genetic standards!

Every man in my family had bowel cancer in their mid 40s (I am 40 in April) and died at 63. Every one of them. I am living until I am 105

Khamûl wrote:

Well, fingers crossed you get to experience the sunny uplands of public domain Middle-earth...

Yeah, would be nice to see some unofficial editions with all manner of funky illustrations and extras before I shuffle off this mortal coil!

onthetrail wrote:

Stu wrote:

Khamûl wrote:

Are you planning on being dead by 2044?

I *expect* to be dead by 2044. The oldest (known) male in my family in the last three generations was 64 (my dad). Most of 'em went before 60. If I make 2040, I'll have done well by my genetic standards!

Every man in my family had bowel cancer in their mid 40s (I am 40 in April) and died at 63. Every one of them. I am living until I am 105

It is always good to have a goal!

Edit: Avoid eating processed meats!

I just asked a lawyer friend and he says an editor does not get a copyright unless they make extensive changes and additions. Christopher Tolkien says in The Book of Lost Tales, Part 1 that "the texts are given in a form very close to that of the original manuscripts. Only the most minor and obvious slips have been silently corrected" and given his aim with HoME was to present something that was not The Silmarillion I can't agree that they are Christopher's editions.

From copyrights expiring to TCG members expiring. Thread derailment in 2021.