Scott/Sg/Michel Converter Site?

Kirk, I totally agree. I hope I didn't disrespect anyone. I just didnt realize that this issue runs as deep as it does. It's interesting how these things work. How long do you think it will be before the Chinese start a knock-off catalog system? The "Rott" catalog?

RC3? :)

Just some more information on U.S. copyrights.

Q: How long does a copyright last?
A: The term of copyright for a particular work depends on several factors, including whether it has been published, and, if so, the date of first publication. As a general rule, for works created after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years. For an anonymous work, a pseudonymous work, or a work made for hire, the copyright endures for a term of 95 years from the year of its first publication or a term of 120 years from the year of its creation, whichever expires first. For works first published prior to 1978, the term will vary depending on several factors. To determine the length of copyright protection for a particular work, consult chapter 3 of the Copyright Act (title 17 of the United States Code).

Works created on or after January 1, 1978, are not subject to renewal registration. As to works published or registered prior to January 1, 1978, renewal registration is optional after 28 years but does provide certain legal advantages.

U.S. Patent protection last between 14 and 20 years, depending the type of patent and when it was issued.

Like I said Art, clear as mud

KS

Have there been any groups of collectors crazy enough to endeavour to make their own catalog system? Maybe it's time for something like this to happen.

Stanley Gibbons sponsors an All World Stamps Catalog online. It is useful for finding SG catalog numbers. It has no images though, just information.

http://allworldstamps.com/

As a matter of fact, I am working on a new numbering system.

All stamps are Catalog #14b.

It takes no time at all to look up the catalog number now.

Dave

lol "Dave's International". I like the sound of that. Would all values be at $9.99? :)

That would leave all the #1 collectors in a lurch.

I have written a lot of software for many companies in the last 30+ years and most of it is copyrighted. I have been paid by these companies for the software and the software belongs to them. The copyright of the software belongs to me. If another individual or company uses the software without my permission then I have a legal right to claim damages against them. Of course, I have to catch them first.

The same is true for any book or catalog system like Scott or Stanley Gibbons. They have the same rights and if they catch someone using their work they will claim damages against them and rightly so. Anyone who creates a piece of work, be it a novel a piece of pottery, a painting or software needs that protection. Why should someone else profit from their labors?

If anyone has a specific Patent or Copyright question I will be happy to get the answer for you. My Brother is a Patent/Copyright Atty.

Art: I understand now why this would be a sensitive issue for you. :) I hope I didn't disrespect you.
That said though, could a group (say like the SCF group) or APA put together their own worldwide catalog?
I mean that would be rather interesting.

So the big question is what is the difference between SG1 Scotts 1 and Michel 1 when they all relate to the same stamp for a country - whose copyright has been infringed? - LOL

I have just received a Scott Specialised Catalogue for free,
I buy my Gibbons, a few years out of date from
the library for $20.
I think catalogue producers do a bang up job,
a few niggles of course, but we collectors get it easy I reckon,
what's the fuss? I do appreciate those that buy the new editions, as they eventually flow down to me.

Trickle-down economics is still debated, but trickle-down publishing is a fact.