From: "Professor Twist" <samriklown@hotmail.com>
To: dlpratt@bigpond.com
Subject: Re: skit for school pt II
Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 18:55:31 -0500




>From: "Daron Pratt" <dlpratt@bigpond.com>
>However the question I have is how does this
>fit in with copyright laws?  As far as I know it is O.K to tell the story
>but as soon as it is put on paper or in book form with balloon instructions
>you are breaching copyright laws.  Is this correct?  Can anyone help me?
>
>Regards
>Daron
>(Balloon Applications With a Twist, Australia.)
>

Hi all,
Professor Twist's beautiful attorney here...

I can answer the copyright question very easily.  Retelling or telling a 
story that is not public domain for any reason other than reading your child 
to bed violates copyright laws and you can be sued.

Sounds easy, and actually it is.  Now, I am not saying that you cannot use 
stories, fairy tales, and other such, but make sure you know the source your 
story comes from.  In some limited instances, the story may be public 
domain, but the version in a new book may not be, so check.  Obviously, if 
you are retelling a story from a recent movie without their permission, you 
are making a mistake that could be costly (especially if the rights belong 
to Disney or Blue's Clues!!! but those are stories for another time).

Hope this helps.  If you have any further questions, you can write me 
directly at mamabarrister@hotmail.com.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Professor Twist (the beautiful attorney, he has to say that because he 
is married to me.)