Story Rights Question

Larry Rutledge

Larry Rutledge

Fest Master
I am very intrigued by a story I recently heard of the origin of a town here in the United States back in the mid- to late-1800s. I am particularly interested in the founder and his life story, but as the founder of the town of course his story is intimately entwined with the town's story as well, so I intend to tell both.

But before I start I am trying to find out if I am free to tell this story, or do I need to try to track down his descendants? Also, because the town still exists today, although very much a different town from its origins, do I need to get permission of any kind from anyone involved with the town/county/state/etc to be able to tell this story?

Thanks for any help/insight.
 
I think you're safe. His story is first a matter of public record. Second, it's probably in the public domain by now. But I'm no expert. Consult a copyright attorney.
 
Thanks David.

I also got this response elsewhere and thought the information could be potentially useful to others so I'm posting it here:

No.

Rights to his story would have died with the town founder, so, unless you drag his descendants into the story, you would not need their permissions. If the story is based upon a book or an article, (which may be copyrighted), you will need the permission of its author; but, if your story is based upon your own research and from several sources, your history does not need any permission from other writers nor the community.
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I have the same issue. I want to produce a short film regarding the girl who's eye's would shut on her for 3 days randomly.

I have the script written out and everything, but I'm trying to find out if it's ok.

Robbie
 
Well, it's not exactly the same. My story is about a guy who died 98 years ago and about the town he founded.

The story about this girl is something from a news report only a few days ago. I believe to tell her story you have to buy the rights to it, pay her for the exclusive access to tell her story.

(Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV, so do not take any of my comments as actual legal advise)
 
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