[OSM-legal-talk] advice on usability

Mike Collinson mike at ayeltd.biz
Sun Aug 2 21:29:39 BST 2009


At 12:43 AM 2/08/2009, Elizabeth Dodd wrote:
>We believe that this series of maps can be used for copying for OSM
>Can someone with better understanding of US owned data confirm or deny?
>
>
>
>US Army Corps of Engineers map of Kosovo 1959
>http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/ams/western_europe/txu-oclc-6472044-nk34-4.jpg


Elizabeth,

I cannot give you definitive advice nor directly clarificatory citation but I can give you anecdotal evidence which should very much encourage you to pursue this source.

1) I once had the opportunity to purchase a library of military video footage (now http://militarylibrary.net/).  They have been operation since at least the early 90's.  The majority of the footage was obtained by simply copying footage shot for the US military, from military sources, apparently with their full cognizance. It is my understanding that this was perfectly legal and that the resulting copies can be used for any purpose, including re-sale.  Indeed I am a producer of a couple of 2004 direct-to-video titles (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0413823/) that have used this material.  No nasty letters so far!

2) I have a published of set maps [1], originating from the US Army, Corp of Engineers, that I intended to use in a video documentary.  Beyond the publishing information shown below, they have, like your map, no explicit copyright permissions whatsoever. It is my firm, though personal, opinion that I can utilise these maps for any purpose I like.  Perhaps the society mentioned may be able to offer more concrete assistance since I have not sought explicitly legal opinion.

Hope this helps,
Mike Collinson

[1] U.S. Army in World War II Atlas - The War in the Pacific

The National Historical Society 
6405 Flank Drive, Harrisburg PA 17112
1998
Printed in the United States of America






More information about the legal-talk mailing list