Easton v. Universal Pictures Co.

Frederick Faust, writing under the pseudonym Max Brand, was the author and copyright owner of a work entitled “ Destry Bides Again,” published originally in 1930.

In August, 1931 Faust assigned the motion picture rights in the work to Universal Pictures Corporation for $1,650.

Faust also agreed by that instrument to renew or procure the renewal of the copyright before the expiration of the original term of 28 years and to assign to Universal the rights in the renewal earlier granted by the 1931 instrument. Section 24 of title 17 of the United States Code (Copyright Law) provides that renewal is…