Am I allowed to publish other people's poems in my own book?
February 12, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Sandra Altmann
Dear lawyer,
I am facing a dilemma and I hope that you can help me with my question. My name is Lukas Huber and I am planning to publish a book that will contain some poems. I have found some poems by other authors that I would like to use in my book. However, I am unsure if this is legally allowed.
The poems I would like to use are very fitting for my book and I believe they would provide a special value for my readers. However, I am concerned that I may be violating copyright if I publish the poems without the permission of the author.
I do not want to get into any legal trouble and I want to make sure that I handle everything correctly and legally. Therefore, it would be very helpful if you could tell me if it is allowed to publish other people's poems in my own book and what steps I need to take to acquire the necessary rights. Are there specific requirements that I need to meet in order to use the poems?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Lukas Huber
Dear Mr. Huber,
Thank you for your question regarding the use of third-party poems in your planned book. Copyright is an important issue that must be considered to avoid legal problems.
In general, poems, like all other works, are subject to copyright. This means that the authors have the exclusive right to decide how their works can be used, including publication in a book. So, if you wish to use poems by other authors in your book, you will need the permission of the copyright holders.
To acquire the necessary rights, you must contact the authors of the poems. You should explain your request to them and ask for written permission to use their works in your book. This permission should include all relevant details, such as the duration of use, the type of usage, and any financial agreements if you intend to commercially use the poems.
It is important that the permission is clear and unambiguous to prevent misunderstandings later on. It is also advisable to carefully keep all written agreements in case of disputes.
There is also the option to use poems that are already in the public domain. This means that the copyright on these works has expired and they can be freely used. However, it is important to ensure that the poems are indeed in the public domain, as this can vary depending on the country and legislation.
In any case, it is advisable to seek advice from a specialized attorney on legal issues related to copyright. An expert can inform you about your rights and obligations and help you avoid legal pitfalls.
I hope that my answer is helpful to you and wish you success in the publication of your book.
Sincerely,
Sandra Altmann
