(U)

[John Heck]

Not necessarily. Copyrights may be bought and sold, so the dying company
may well have sold it if some other company who thought it had value. It
may not be being used, however. The nature of the copyright law is that
one must defend one's copyright, that is, prosecute infringers, or it
slips into the public domain. Kind of like squatters rights. If a company
who owns a copyright does not defend it then it's yours. It's no excuse
to not know that someone else was infringing on your copyright. You have
to keep your guard up and watch for that yourself. It this unethical or
immoral? Well, no, the courts don't seem to think so, why should we? I
believe that the social wisdom is that creative property, copyrights and
patents, are meant to be used to provide benefit for the business entity
which most vigorously employs and defends it in the marketplace. If somebody
else can slip in and "eat your lunch" without your being aware of it, then
they are ones who deserve to share the benefit, not you alone.

>
> to:heath at listserv.tempe.gov
>
> I have a question about copyright laws in the U.S., in regards to
> using a companys logo/name/Id, etc. after the company is defunct
> and / or ceases to exist. The query is : does this now become
> public domain and avail. for use ? any responses are appreciated.
>
> Best Regards, Mike Chanter - Liaison Bld. & Dev. Resident MD 48
> JAGUAR AJV6 Engine Programs  POEE B024/AJ031  MCHANTER at FORD.COM
> 21500 Oakwood bl., Dbrn., Mich. 48121  FAX - 001 (313) 39-09146
> PH - 001 (313) 33-72889 ************ PAGER - 001 (800) 641-0272
>
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