Copyright text book

[Ken Brown]

I am located in Florida, finally found out of print book i have been looking for, last print and copyright was 1982, I have purchased book and would like to do reprint for sales to benifit non profit organization, have contacted author dont believe i would have problem getting permission , can I apply for the new copyright on this book! publishing company of original is local as well but they no longer have the copy to do reprint and i can get the printing done at lesser cost and for as many copies as i want rather than paying large amount for 300 copies I can get whatever amount I want at more reasonable price. Do I need the Authors permisssion I dont want to step on toes and i know he would give me permission... where do I stand and what are my options

Ken

 

[ALawyer]

You can ask for and get an assignment of the copyright --- or rights to reprint and republish -- from the copyright owner, but you can't further extend the existing copyright or get a new one.
The author probably no longer owns the copyright -- usually the publisher (here the textbook company) does. If the purpose is non-profit, having a charitable organization take the assignment may be helpful as the owner often can take a tax deduction.