Steinbeck's Wishes Honored by 2nd Circuit

The 2nd Circuit has reinstated Steinbeck's wishes with respect to his copyrights, against a challenge by Steinbeck's blood relations. Upon his death the author bequeathed his copyrights to his wife Elaine, and left his two sons $50,000.00 each. Later in time (1994), Elaine renegotiated his contract with Penguin and added several books to the deal. Later (2004), the son and grandson of the dead son informed Penguin that its contract with Elaine was void because of a law that prevented authors from being exploited before they knew they would become famous. Steinbeck originally entered into the Penguin contract in the 1930's. Penguin sued. The lower court sided with the blood relations, but the 2nd court overturned that decision. The copyrights will thus stay with Elaine's heirs, children and grandchildren from a previous marriage. Penguin's argument was that the new contract superseded the old one and the 2nd circuit agreed.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g1HBxtGQCgVaccHPM3X2w-6wxmSgD92HKA9G1