Copying a statue.

[Uruk-Hai]

G-day Figureteers!

Just wondering about your feelings about copying a statue for a commercial figure? I realize that the legal issues can vary depending on which country but that is also a question. And could it differ if the statue is from 19th century or just a decade or two old?

Cheers
Janne Nilsson

 

[Helm]

I'd think if it was for personal use you'd be ok but if as you say it's for commercial you may well run into copyright etc problems, the older the statue the less likely they'll be, I'm not a lawyer (thank God ) so it's just an IMO. If you have the sculptors name and they're still about I would contact them as a matter of courtesy anyway
Steve

 

[valiant]

Janne, I am currently working on a similar type of commission from a large society and I have had to obtain copyright from several agencies. I would tread carefully if you intend it to become commercial. I hope this helps.

Steve

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Thanks for the input. In your case, Steve, is the sculptor still alive? Or are the copywright owned by the owners of the statue?

Cheers
Janne Nilsson

 

[valiant]

Janne, the copyright is owned by multiple agencies who commissioned the original, that's what made it so complicated! Yes, the sculptor is still alive!

Steve

 

[DEL]

It's a minefield Janne, the age of the piece is academic it's the 'ownership' that matters and the onus is on you to identify this before you produce anything. Copyright 'laws' were toughened up in Britain, certainly as far as written work is concerned and I'd imagine it's the same for any form of art.
I think it used to be you could use pieces of work 70 years after the death of the writer but now it seems to be 70 years after the last authorised printing, so essentially it becomes a rolling programme of permission and lots of work would never be copyright free. My wife spends a ridiculous amount of time seeking permission to use pieces for her calligraphy.
The above is my take on it, I'd ask her but she'd then talk about it in ear bleeding detail for two hours and end up holding me responsible for the whole thing.
You can bet someone or some group has 'copyright ownership' and I'd expect they would charge a fee if they were to give permission.
Cheers
Derek