Manuscript in United Kingdom

Meaning of Manuscript

The following is an old definition of Manuscript [1]: A writing of any kind, as opposed to printed matter or a picture; a book, paper or document in written characters. In copyright law, an unpublished literary production, however prepared; not, then, a picture or painting. At common law, the sole proprietorship in manuscript, before publication, is in the author or his assignee; but an unqualified publication, such as is made by printing and offering copies for sale, dedicates the contents to the public, unless the sole right of printing, publishing, and vending is secured by copyright. In communicating the contents of his manuscript, the author may impose such restrictions as he pleases upon the extent of its use. At common law, the author has a property in his manuscript, and may obtain redress against one who deprives him of it, or by improperly obtaining a copy endeavors to realize a profit by its publication. The copyright law protects this property which an author has at common law, and which would be protected by a court of chancery. See further Baggage; Copyright; Letter, 3; Mail; Writing.

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Notes and References

1. Concept of Manuscript provided by the Anderson Dictionary of Law (1889) (Dictionary of Law consisting of Judicial Definitions and Explanations of Words, Phrases and Maxims and an Exposition of the Principles of Law: Comprising a Dictionary and Compendium of American and English Jurisprudence; William C. Anderson; T. H. Flood and Company, Law Publishers, Chicago, United States)