Copyright clearance
From DPCanadaWiki
To be created/developped and updated Copyright clearance, often referred to simply as clearance, is the process by which Project Gutenberg Canada, in cooperation with DPC, determines if a book can legally be posted on the Project Gutenberg Canada site. Like PGC, DPC operates under Canadian law, so if a book cannot obtain a clearance, it cannot be processed through this site. Once a work has received a clearance, it is referred to as having been cleared.
While on some occasions a PGC-specific clearance is obtained from the copyright holder, the normal process of obtaining a clearance involves determining that the book is in the Public domain according to the copyright laws of Canada.
Project Gutenberg and DPC maintain a set of "Rules" to determine if a book is clearable. For the most part, the process simply involves determining if the author has been dead more than 50 years. Specifically, copyright normally expires in Canada on the 31st of December of the year that is 50 years after the year of the author's death.
A Project Manager, Content Provider or other volunteer wanting to set up a new project must obtain a copyright clearance from DPC. A control number will be issued, that must be entered on the Project Details page. If in doubt, contact a Site Administrator. Such volunteer may be asked to assist in providing sufficient information to conclusively determine the date of death and the unique identity of the author.
This process only needs to be done once for each author; DPC maintains a database of "proven" dates of death. But the clearance code must be obtained for every project.
Steps to Clearance at DPC
In light of recent events--Here is my author verification process that I've used since creating projects. Warmheart
1. Verify and obtain Proof of the Date of Death (DOD) for each author, illustrator, editor and/or other contributor for the project.
- If the author has already been posted then the work has been done for you.
- If not, then start searching.
- I normally provide links to the proof I've found in my email submission, and try to provide at least three.
- If you need help or are unable to find sources for the DOD check out the Infomaniacs forum
2. Check David Price's list for prior clearances which can be found here.
- Suggestion: Also check under both names of the author as sometimes (hopefully not) it may be listed incorrectly. ie. Instead of Price, David it might be listed as David Price.
3. Check the in progress database located here
- It's supposed to check the DP-Int database, PG-Int database and I think David Price's list, but it's always safe to check the lists independently.
- Suggestion: Check partial names of the title and author. For example, "Famous Firesides of Canada by Mary W. Alloway" search "fireside" and "alloway"
4. Prepare your Title Page and the Verso (back side of the title page) commonly known as T/V. Also include any pages (ie. Table of contents) that lists any other contributors to the project.
- This provides the clearance team all and any additional information that they might require to give you a clearance.
5. Submit your information via email to DPC, don't forget to include the T & V, via email. See this this post for more information
- Make sure when emailing for the request to include if this project is eligible for clearance at DP-Int and if you've applied.
- Also make note if there is a prior (old) clearance for a similar/same project (for example a clearance dated 2007, but not yet posted to PG-Int)
6. Include the clearance when you create your project.
If the Project is in Public Domain for the US
1. Not necessary
2. As above
3. As above
4. As above
5. Submit your information to the Project Gutenberg Copyright Clearance Requests to obtain the additional clearance.
- More information on DP-Int clearance can be found here.
- Also make note if there is a prior (old) clearance for a similar/same project (for example a clearance dated 2007, but not yet posted to PG-Int)
6.Insert this clearance into your project comments for the Post Processor or White Washer to post to PG on the same line used for PGC clearance.
Note
If a prior clearance exists, it does not mean you cannot get one for your project. Perhaps it's a different version, edition or has illustrations that the previous clearance does not have. Contact a PF at either site for help in determining if you could proceed.
