Go copyright question

[Kirby]

Awhile ago, lovelove kindly put together a series of SGF files on how to be a dan player. He included variations from lectures given by Kim Seong Ryong on 3-3 joseki.

Is it generally legal to summarize theory like this? For example, I have tons of Korean Go material.

Is it OK to periodically post and summarize variations? To what extent?

[tchan001]

In my view, variations can be considered a natural process of exploring the possible moves of the game, so the variations should be ok. But the wordings for the explanations should probably be your own explanation and summary rather than a straight translation.

[Kirby]

Thanks, that makes sense.

[Mike Novack]

Also remember (especially when the original material is in another language) you are allowed to ASK for permission to translate. The copyright holder has the right to say no, to select a translator, or even deny permission for any translation.

Copyright doesn't mean you can't use the material. It means you can't so so without permission (and according to the terms of that permission)

PS -- not going to apply here, but what sorts of "terms" (besides paying for) can be depends on the traditions of that type of copyright material. NOT uniform.