Copyright information

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Copyright information

I want to make an iOS app. In particular I wish to create a bible journaling app. A full bible, but with space to journal or draw in it. They are found in stores all over. It would be my own custom design, layout, etc, but I would be using an already published version of the Bible. I would want to charge a small price but it would be mainly for my artwork and time making the app and such. Can I do that or do I need to find a bible translation that is specifically out of copyright?

Asked on September 6, 2017 under Business Law, Kentucky

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 6 years ago | Contributor

Your last line is the answer: you need an out-of-copyright version of the bible. Even works that have been around essentially forever (like the Bible) can be copyrighted in that a particular translation, version, arrangement, etc. can be copyright the publisher, translator, or editor who translated, modified, or edited it. If a version is copyrighted, you cannot use it without infringing copyright and therefore exposing yourself to liability (i.e. to being sued). But if you use an out-of-copyright version as your base, you can do this safely.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption