SOVIET UNION: Rights and Copyrights

For years the Soviets have raided Western publishing houses and simply taken whatever they wanted. In 1972 alone they published 8,100,000 copies of books by Americans without gaining their authors' consent and without paying royalties. Western governments, publishers and authors have long pleaded with Moscow to change its ways. Last week the U.S.S.R. suddenly announced that it accepts the Universal Copyright Convention. Although royalty payments will not be retroactive, the Soviets are now committed to enter into financial contracts with foreign publishers, just like the 62 other adherents (including the U.S.) to...

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