Copyright Laws and Public Domain?

[BioFall]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois

I have a question concerning how copyrighting with manuals, operating manuals etc. work, from the research I have done they are the exact same as other books, right?

Also I am trying to figure out when a copyright expires/ becomes public domain. I have read where anything before 1978 that does not have a copyright on it can become Public Domain, I'm I right?

I'm not to well knowledge in copyright laws.

 

[FlyingRon]

There's no substantial difference between a book and an owner's manual in the eyes of copyright law.

A work that is PUBLISHED is the US before 1978 without copyright notice is in the public domain. However, for manuals you may trip over the definition of he word published depending on how the nature of the manual.

 

[BioFall]

Thanks for the quick response a couple more questions

manuals you may trip over the definition of he word published depending on how the nature of the manual.

What exactly do you mean by this?

and

If someone did own an actual paper manual would it be illigal to also have a digital form to. (assuming the owner does not give away copies or sell the original paper one)?