Copyright Issues With Deceased Authors

[dinogami]

Not to rehash the copyright issues that have been covered well in other topics, but... How would one go about obtaining permission to use a particular origami model when the creator of the model is deceased? In particular, I'm interested in using some of Issei Yoshino's models in an upcoming museum exhibit, but I have no idea to whom the rights to his models passed when he died...? Does anyone have any ideas?

[Razzmatazz]

If you have to pay to get in the museum, I don't think it's a good idea. But if you don't and it is open to the public; since it is just showing off his models you folded (assuming you give credit for the model to him) I think it is fine to go ahead without permission.

Don't shoot me if I am wrong ;D

[origamiguy]

You might ask the OAC group about who holds the rights Issei Yoshino's models.
http://digitalorigami.com/oac/contact.php

[steingar]

You can contact the publishers, who can then put you in touch with his estate. That said, I will repeat my usual line. You are not in violation of anyone's copyright if you display such artwork in a museum.

[dinogami]

Well, whether I am or not, I (and our other museum people working on the exhibit) will feel better if all bases are covered anyway to avoid any possible legal problems, no matter how improbable they may be!

Thanks, everyone, for your input!

[Pop pop]

What about Eric Joisel ?

[steingar]

Well, whether I am or not, I (and our other museum people working on the exhibit) will feel better if all bases are covered anyway to avoid any possible legal problems, no matter how improbable they may be!

Thanks, everyone, for your input!

A laudable sentiment. Are they as conscious of zoning, crowd, health and other ordinances?

[dinogami]

We try to be! Much of the initial bouts of that were done long before I got here. Now OSHA compliance, on the other hand...that's a whole 'nother ball of wax!

[steingar]

True enough. Well, good luck with your search. I suspect I would just invent some new models before I tried to use anything from the Japanese. The language barrier is particularly keen, and they have their own problems just now.