Legal rights?

[BubblyBubble]

If I wanted to incorporate a Shakespeare quote in a bag, would I have to get the rights to do so?

[Quizmonster]

Copyright law is a complex business throughout the world, but - for written works such as Shakespeare's - in Britain at the moment I believe that copyright lasts only for 70 years from first publication. As he died in 1616, it appears you don't have much to worry about!

[mightywease]

Copyright on plays and books lasts 70 years from the death of the author unless the author is unknown, then it is 70 years from publication.

Neither of which applies to Shakespeare so you should be okay!

[BubblyBubble]

Thanks very much!