From my understanding of copyright issues - Michael is right. However, I want to add a few points to hi reply.

First, you cannot make a translation of anything (of course, I am not a lawyer so this is not legal advice) without approval. Except in a few limited cases:

If the item is in the pulic domain, you can do the translation and then copyright your translation (yes, it is done).

Second, anything that mentions allowing reprint rights (such as articles) you can traslate provided that you follow the reprint guidelines. It is always best to contact the author first.

Thirdly, copyright is often (at least for the more popular authors) not held by the author. It is quite colmmon for the publisher to own the copyright. But, at the same time, an inquiry to the author should clear up any issues (and who else you need to contact).

Tam

Philip:

> The creator of the Work owns the copyright
> to it... and all versions of it.

> In other words... you cannot translate it
> and then own the copyright. If that were
> possible, all someone would have to do is
> translate a work to a different language
> then back to English. The new English
> version would be slightly different than the
> original because something is always lost in
> the translation. And the creator of the Work
> would see an almost identicle Work out there
> that does not violate copyright.

> Suddenly, authors like Stephen King and Dean
> Koontz would be out a LOT of money because
> their works are available in different
> languages.

> If you have seen another's Work and wish to
> turn it to English... or turn it from
> English to another language... contact the
> copyright holder and ASK them for
> permission.

> Michael Ross

> I am NOT a copyright lawyer. The above is
> only my opinion. For proper legal advice
> consult with a qualified legal person.