Who holds the copyright for the ACC?

[Bob Lemke]

A decade or so ago Larry Fritsch bought out Richard Gelman. I don't know if this included the copyright for the ACC or not.

[toppcat]

Was that separate from Lepore's prior purchase of CC Co stock in the 80's? Did Richard Gelman have his own distinct business (can't recall).

[judsonhamlin]

So there seems to be any number of threads to try and follow here. If Fritsch bought out Gelman's "stock", then his son might be the one to contact. Otherwise, there looks to be one or two other possibilities.
The point is, any talk about working on an ACC update will never come to anything without the cooperation and consent of the holder.

[paul]

It is very likely that the copyright expired, and that the companies that reprinted the ACC were able to do so because the copyright expired. Today, copyrights last almost forever. But back in the day they lasted (I think) 28 years, and then could be renewed for another 28. But for books with rather limited distribution, most people didn't bother renewing. You can find out for sure through the Copyright Office. It might even be doable through their website.

[toppcat]

Originally Posted by paul

It is very likely that the copyright expired, and that the companies that reprinted the ACC were able to do so because the copyright expired. Today, copyrights last almost forever. But back in the day they lasted (I think) 28 years, and then could be renewed for another 28. But for books with rather limited distribution, most people didn't bother renewing. You can find out for sure through the Copyright Office. It might even be doable through their website.

Just tried it and got no hits but didn't spend a lot of time tweaking it. I have to think the copyright is likely still in force unless it was part of the Lepore deal--the book's publication passed through logical hands and if it went to Fritsch that trend would continue. No one has reprinted it but I would think there is demand. An online version would be great!

[toppcat]

Revisiting this old thread. Richard Gelman confirmed to me a couple of years ago that he still holds the ACC copyright. Just tying up a loose thread!