MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - how can a publisher claim copyright over a public domain work?

rem736 · 01-28-2010, 01:24 AM

hi all,

new to the forum here. i have a simple question. but the answer is problably very complicated. how is it that publishing companies, either in print or electronic form, can claim copyright to a book that is clearly already in the public domain? classic books that you buy in any university library (shakespeare, jane austen, etc.) clearly show that it is copyrighted by the publishing company selling the book. i even see that fictionwise and barnes and noble have such copyright claims on the classics in ebook form that they sell. looking to understand. thanks.

hue.

01-28-2010, 01:24 AM	#1
rem736 purpose priority passion Posts: 645 Karma: 9002000 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: socal, usa Device: sony prs-350, b&n ngp, rM2, kindle scribe, boox poke5	how can a publisher claim copyright over a public domain work? hi all, new to the forum here. i have a simple question. but the answer is problably very complicated. how is it that publishing companies, either in print or electronic form, can claim copyright to a book that is clearly already in the public domain? classic books that you buy in any university library (shakespeare, jane austen, etc.) clearly show that it is copyrighted by the publishing company selling the book. i even see that fictionwise and barnes and noble have such copyright claims on the classics in ebook form that they sell. looking to understand. thanks. hue.