Legality of selling "older" VHS to DVD films.

[southy]

Hi
Say for example i wanted to transfer a load of older Stacey Owen films from VHS to DVD and sell them whats the copyright situation.As far as i know they arent on sale anymore so i'd not be taking trade from anyone,but i dont own the copyright either.

Whats the score?

[Peter]

Unless you have permission from the copyright holder, you'd be in breach of his copyright, and punishment could be a fine and or imprisoment

[NeilUK]

I am sure people here know better than me but I think it would violate copyright.
Am I right in thinking copyright only lasts 25 years or is copyright permanent?

NeilUK

[Ace]

Why? Are they after copies?

[Peter]

Copyright lasts for 70 years after the death of the copyright holder.

[southy]

Its Strand that own the copyright to a lot of older Stacey films,but i bet they dont have any masters/originals hanging around,so what do they own the copyright too?

[Peter]

Copyright is intellectual, not physical.

[southy]

I understand,but does no-one see my point.
There are a lot of older films that are being deleted or just fading into obscurity or getting lost in the switch from VHS to DVD and the only way to save them is by "fans".

Of course,in years to come no-one will care anyway,its just a shame,thats all.