Protected
The Cowboy and the Indians
1949 · Gene Autry Productions / Columbia Pictures · Dir. John English
Finding Indians stealing from his ranch, Gene learns they are suffering from malnutrition. Store owner Martin is cheating them and now he is after the Chief's valuable necklace. When the dying chief is found, having been attacked and robbed, Martin blames Lakhona who would become the new chief. When Gene helps Lakhona they soon find themselves fleeing from the law.
Confidence
95
— Legal Reasoning —
Why this status applies
The Cowboy and the Indians (1949), starring Gene Autry, is currently protected by US copyright. Under the law governing works published between 1928 and 1963, a film entered the public domain only if its initial 28-year copyright term was not renewed. This film was originally registered by Gene Autry Productions on September 15, 1949, under registration number LP2522.
A search of the Stanford Copyright Renewal Database and the Library of Congress CCE confirms that the copyright was successfully renewed by Gene Autry Productions on August 29, 1977, under renewal number R669781. Because the renewal was filed during the 28th year of the original term, the copyright was extended for a second term, which was further extended to a total of 95 years from publication by the 1976 and 1998 Copyright Acts. The film is currently managed by Gene Autry Entertainment and is expected to enter the public domain on January 1, 2045.
— Cited Sources —
Supporting facts
- Stanford Copyright Renewal Database (R669781)
- Catalog of Copyright Entries: Motion Pictures 1940-1949 (LP2522)
- Film Superlist: Motion Pictures in the U.S. Public Domain (1940-1949 ed.)
- Gene Autry Entertainment (Official Rights Holder Site)
Research summary based on cited sources, not legal advice. Always consult a qualified copyright attorney before commercial use.