Quoting from copyrighted eBooks

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by cscott5288, Dec 22, 2009.

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  1. #1
    I am starting a Internet product review site which reviews mainly ebooks. Is it legal for me to use blockquotes of paragraphs within the ebook without contacting the author first?

    thanks
     
    cscott5288, Dec 22, 2009 IP
  2. ~kev~

    ~kev~ Well-Known Member

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    #2
    I'am not a lawyer, so do not take this as legal advice - there seems to be mixed feelings on this issue. Some people say "yes", you can use small transcripts from copyright protected material. Such as doing a review of the book.

    But, google was sued for giving a preview of books that are copyright protected. Here is a google page of that settlement - http://books.google.com/googlebooks/agreement/

    You might want to read through what google books had to change and go from there.

    Personally, I would not use anymore then 1 or 2 sentences from any given copyright protected book while doing a review.

    If you are going to sale the material that contains the copyright protected material - I would contact the copyright holder and get a written release.
     
    ~kev~, Dec 22, 2009 IP
  3. hostlonestar

    hostlonestar Peon

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    #3
    Yes, for review purposes it is covered under fair use. However, you can only use a SMALL sample of the work.
     
    hostlonestar, Dec 24, 2009 IP
  4. cscott5288

    cscott5288 Active Member

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    #4
    by that you mean like 2-3 sentences?
     
    cscott5288, Dec 24, 2009 IP