What's the copyright status on translated internet articles?

[Fyod]

I doubt the original author would ever find out, but if I translate an article, do I have to ask the author for permission to do so, provided that the article would include something like "english article by: Author's Name".

I used to be a freelance translator back about five years ago, but never really had a chance to translate copyrighted stuff. Though I have a feeeling, when translating books for example, that the original author doesn't have to be informed, but "Written by" must stay the same, plus the translator's name. The translator then has the second language copyright, and of course must not claim to be the original and/or only author. Is this correct?

 

[cartoonz]

sounds like wishful thinking to me.

 

[jberryhill]

A translation is what is called in copyright law a "derivative work".

The bundle of rights in "copyright" include the right to make derivative works.

The translator owns a copyright in his or her translation, but those rights are subordinate to the rights of the author of the original work.

Try translating the Harry Potter books into some language other than English and selling it. You'll get straightened out on this question right quick.

 

[Ms Domainer]

*

So what does this all mean for Google and its automatic translation program?

Could Google get sued for copyright infringement?

Some interesting issues here.

*

 

[Fyod]

Yeah, question is if I'm offering readers the service of being able to read an article they wouldn't otherwise ever read.

Of course I wouldn't be selling the articles, rather puting them on my own sites.

I still really doubt that the original author would ever find out if I translate an article. But I guess it'll be best if I sum the article up in my own words, ethical reasons.

 

[jberryhill]

So what does this all mean for Google and its automatic translation program?

Google is not producing or publishing translations. You are running text through a computer program and looking at it yourself.

Yeah, question is if I'm offering readers the service of being able to read an article they wouldn't otherwise ever read.

Irrelevant.

 

[exsedo]

*

So what does this all mean for Google and its automatic translation program?

Could Google get sued for copyright infringement?

Some interesting issues here.

*

I believe g00gle have been sued in France and lost the case. They have to stop scanning French books, where they do not have the necessary permission to do so. Of course they have said they will appeal the ruling.

 

[Fyod]

Thanks guys.
I guess I'll just read, take notes, write my own article.