THE LAW OF COPYRIGHT.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
SIR,—Will you allow me to inquire, through the medium of your columns, what is supposed to be the value of entries of publica- tions at Stationers' Hall ? For instance, I personally, when residing in London, entered my publications, well known as " Vere Foster's Copy-books," at Stationers' Hall, on December 30th, 1865, registering myself as proprietor of the copyright. My suspicions having been recently aroused, I made inquiry this week, and have ascertained that my books were registered on June 1st, 1868, as the copyright of other persons,—namely, of a firm in whose monthly receipted account, dated October, 1868, and furnished to me, I find the following entry :—" Cash paid for registration of copy-books, and carriage to artists, June 1st, 10s. 6d."
Is the Stationers' Company merely a machinery for receiving fees, and for registering the same publications as the copyright of an indefinite number of persons ; or is there any value to be attached to their registrations ?-1 am, Sir, &c.,
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