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Who owns MLK speech?

Published in MLK Estate Copyright 2 mins read

The copyright to Martin Luther King Jr.'s major speeches, including his iconic "I Have a Dream" address, is currently owned by his estate and controlled by his children.

Understanding the Copyright Ownership

Martin Luther King Jr. himself took the initiative to copyright his significant speeches during his lifetime. This crucial step ensured that his powerful words, which became cornerstones of the Civil Rights Movement, were protected under intellectual property law.

Today, the Estate of Martin Luther King Jr. holds these copyrights. The management and control of these rights are primarily overseen by his children, who represent the estate's interests.

Aspect of Ownership Details
Original Copyright Holder Martin Luther King Jr.
Current Copyright Owner The Estate of Martin Luther King Jr.
Control & Management Martin Luther King Jr.'s Children

Notable Instances of Rights Acquisition

While the estate maintains the overarching copyright, specific rights to use the speeches can be licensed for various projects. For example, in 2009, director Steven Spielberg acquired the rights to use portions of MLK's speeches for a planned movie project. However, this particular film was subsequently cancelled before it was made. This instance demonstrates how the estate can license rights for specific purposes, while the core copyright ownership of the speeches remains with the Estate of Martin Luther King Jr.