New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-11-01
FRENCH AUTHOP.S IN AMERICA.

EDWARD BRANDUs OF THIS CITY, THEIR AGENT
WORKINGS OF THE COPYRIGHT LAW.
Since the adoption Of the Copyright law, which went
in4o effect July l. French authors and musicians have
manifested great interest in the publication OF their
works on this side of the Atlantic. IT became neces-
sary to have one IN this country 10 LOOK ai'cs
their interests A large number OF French wrefs anu
composers have formed The Societc CIVIC oil 'opy
right or as IL IS to be called In English, the fchcn
DOWNRIGHT Company, and have appointed Enwarh
prandus the publisher, of this city, their agent Mr.
Brardus returned to New-York Yesterday on
Ia Tourraine, after an absence In Paris OF more
than two months His trip abroad was for the pur-
nose Of making final arrangements and contracts Win
the members of the society and other writer's aho 10
explain to them the provisions OF the new law.
9Tbe society," said Mr.. Brandus. in speaking with o
ribune reporter last evening "has been incorporated
With capital Of $50 900, with headquarters at NO. 20
Rue Caumartn, in Paris The Office In this city VIII De
At No 40 Broad-st The object IS to protect tho
nroperty OF French authors and composers ID the
United states, IL they abide by its laws. According
10 the Copyrght INV. Frenchmen have the same rights
IN this country as Americans, II they fuhi certain
conditions Americans, you know, must also deposit
copies of their works in Washington, or they have no
privileges and their books become common property
Tho law requires Frenchmen also to publish Their
works I'm this country and France simultaneously, II
they wish to enjoy the privileges OF the law. ana
there is an interesting Point, and We thnk delecl'
In the law The French book must be published In
this country In French If only a translation is
published at the same tim; rs W'
original abroad, the French edition then beconrS
common property rs far this country Is concerned
although the translation Is protected.
Again, INDEED Mr. Bmndus, II French author
publishes his work in this country only, ana
not in Paris at the same ame' ne VIII
be a. the marcy Of Publishers in Belgium,
italy. Germany, spain, and in all countries
with which we have copyright agreement. Al
though these countries have contracts with France.
thev have none with the United States and Their
,uh,,shers therefore, could take the Frenchmans book
h..rln, a New York date, with IMMUNITY OF course
th.t will not occur when the books are published
spontaneously In this country and France There arc
several other questions OF interest under the new law
which We intend to test as soon as possible(
(. Hnve you any individual contracts with &ll-known
authors ~ asked the reporter
Few great authors replied Mr.. Brandus, are
willing 10 hind themselves to publish their books In
,rv narttcular way or place However. our society
has met the approval Of Frencnmen and We shall pub
iisb many works OF many famous authors. 1t will be
more convenient for them to arrange their affairs III
This country through us. We have made direct
contracts with fhe s0cete dc Gems Lcttrss for the
nmhIIction OF serial and short stories In this country
his society In France controls the publication OF
ali short and serial stories by French authors. IL
American papers and magazine III ,ae Ie WISH al
that society the arrangements must be made through
ms. All Frenchmen Will soon recognize the convent
encc OF the arrangements We shall also BE- able 10
save muny theatrical managers trips abroad, We
shall have plays on hard and shall be able to make
the contracts with dramatlsts'
society win be as benencai TO American authors as 70
FrenCL.