PRIMARY SOURCES

ON COPYRIGHT

(1450-1900)

Abolition of All Monopolies in the Book Trade in Norway, Copenhagen (1686)

Source: The Danish National Archives via Digitalarkivet, Danske Kanselli 1572-1799, RA/EA-3023/F/Fc/Fca/Fcab/L0013: Norske tegnelser (mikrofilm), 1684-1687, s. 272a-b.

Citation:
Abolition of All Monopolies in the Book Trade in Norway, Copenhagen (1686), Primary Sources on Copyright (1450-1900), eds L. Bently & M. Kretschmer, www.copyrighthistory.org

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Chapter 1 Page 1

[Page 1]

[V:S:G: & B: C:] Be advised that we have received several complaints that those who have been granted privileges to trade in books in our kingdom of Norway have committed great offences, so that our humble subjects cannot buy the books they wish to buy. And if the privileged are found guilty, they will have to pay. We shall therefore kindly cease and abolish all monopolies concerning trade in books, especially within our realm of Norway.

 



Chapter 1 Page 2

[Page 2]

Henceforth it shall be permitted to trade in books, freely and unrestricted by any other law, provided it is done for a small and reasonable sum and without any reasonable complaints. You must humbly submit to this [these rules] and take the necessary measures according to this information.

Commanded, etc:

Copenhagen, 30 January 1686.




Translation by: Mersiha Bruncevic

    

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