Translating literature in the public domain?

Question

Firstly, when does literature fall into the public domain in the UK, France, Sweden and Italy? I know that it is related to the elapsed time since the author's death, but I also know that it can vary from country to country.

Secondly, is it possible for works that should be in the public domain to have copyright still? Something like Shakespeare or Dickens, for example, may be in the public domain, but do their publishers still hold the rights to the works? (Or is this a contradiction?)

Thirdly, and ultimately, if a work were in the public domain, would I be allowed to translate and publish it (earning money from it, of course)?


(Also, I apologise for posting this question twice, but I thought with one in Law & Ethics and one in Books & Authors, I was bound to find a good answer.)

Answer 1

literature falls into the public domain 70 years after the death of the author(s)



they cannot be in the public domain and still copyright, unless they are copyrighted to an eastate - which is trickier



however, the like of shakespeare no longer has copyright, and publishers do not hold copyright on it - which is why ther are so manu different versions of his work.



if it's in the public domain then you will be able to translate it and publish it, after all there is nothing to stop you from doing it.

Answer 2

all of us can sell it in the event that they want. They verify directly to take action, by using way of procuring printing, etc. various the stuff Penguin and Dover sells that's out of print is often downloaded freed from cost from undertaking Gutenberg. they have a lot of formats, including audio, PDF, and a few ingredient that works on ibooks. (yet kindle isn't ideal.) you may print up the books and sell them too. u.s.: happy birthday isn't interior the universal public section. It rates $3 hundred for individuals to make the main of it, even however while you're making a track it at domicile, they are able to no longer do despite the fact that with it. some nasty individuals copyrighted it to generate profits off of it. that's why lots of ingesting places and tv shows sing some ingredient else.

Answer 3

You might find some answers here

http://www.unc.edu/~unclng/public-d.htm

Answer 4

yep