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Who owns the Arthur Conan Doyle Estate?

Published in Literary Estate Ownership 2 mins read

The Arthur Conan Doyle Estate is collectively owned by a group of eight individuals, predominantly family members related to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This unique familial ownership structure ensures the preservation and management of the author's vast literary legacy.

Understanding the Ownership Structure

The Arthur Conan Doyle Estate operates under a distinct ownership model, differing from a single corporate entity or individual proprietor. Its ownership is vested in a collective of eight individuals, most of whom are direct descendants or relations by marriage of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The foundation of this ownership lies significantly with Dame Jean Conan Doyle, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's youngest child. Seven out of the eight current owners are beneficiaries of her will, inheriting their stakes in the estate through her provisions. This lineage underscores a deep-rooted commitment within the family to maintain control and oversight of the literary heritage, including the iconic Sherlock Holmes character and stories.

Key Ownership Details

To provide a clear overview of the estate's ownership, the following table summarizes the essential aspects:

Aspect Detail
Number of Owners 8 individuals
Primary Beneficiaries Seven out of eight owners are beneficiaries of Dame Jean Conan Doyle's will
Familial Connection Most owners are relations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, by bloodline or marriage
Purpose To preserve and manage Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's literary and personal heritage

This structure allows the family to collectively decide on the management, licensing, and public representation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's works. For official information and details directly from the managing entity, the Conan Doyle Estate maintains a dedicated online presence.