Submission Date
Question
Many libraries/archives hold unpublished materials whose creators are deceased, but are still protected by copyright since copyright lasts 70 years after death.
If a library/archives lacks a deed of gift (or if the deed of gift doesn’t explicitly transfer copyright), can an heir transfer copyright or otherwise provide permission for the library to publish/digitize/etc? In NY, are copyrights automatically transferred to heirs when someone dies? What if there is no will?