Are Jane Austen and Charles Dickens Public Domain?

[Wilshireblvd]

If one wanted to make a film based on Jane Austen or Charles Dickens lit, would one need to acquire rights or are they both in the public domain?

 

[EJ Pennypacker]

I would think it's public domain but you should check seriously into it before commencing production/pre-production. You may be able to "use" it, but still need to credit something.

EJ

 

[KMR]

I would think it's public domain but you should check seriously into it before commencing production/pre-production. You may be able to "use" it, but still need to credit something.

Jane Austen died in 1817, and Charles Dickens in 1870. Works by both of the authors are long out of copyright, so may be used/adapted at will. Of course appropriate credit should be given, but that is a matter of ethics, not law.

 

[Wilshireblvd]

Of course appropriate credit should be given, but that is a matter of ethics, not law.

Of course...I'd just hate to be sued by Penguin.:nads: That'd be kind of embarrassing.

 

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Of course...I'd just hate to be sued by Penguin.:nads: That'd be kind of embarrassing.

When I first read that I thought you were thinking I might sue you. Which I might...