Copyright After Death

[callym]

Hello to everyone on this forum.
I'm not good with law things so I'd need some help.

We were working on one website with guy I met some time ago.
The deal was that he does the actual programming and I'll provide the content.
Then we would split the income.

He sent me the site's files and unfortunately he committed a suicide (or at least that's what he told me hes going to do) yesterday.
He was a bit how I'd say it... distinctive.
We didn't know each other for too long and idea came to my mind that what if hes trying to scam me.
He did have Copyright 2012 <His nick-name> at the bottom of the page.
I asked him about the copyright before he disappeared and he said exactly "you can use them all" and "you can change what ever you want"

1. How solid proof is that in Skype's memory if he sues me after I finish the website and put it to public?
2. Should I keep his name in the Copyright too?

[flyingron]

Copyrights exist from when he created it, even without the markings.
He told you (without restriction) that you could use it. It's up to you if you want to honor his memory by leaving his name on the pages.
Copyrights persist after death. Presumably he has someone that will be heir to his possessions (including this).

[aaron]

First, find out if he's alive. If he is, ask him.

If he's not, see what his estate has to say.

Assignment of exclusive rights to copyrighted material must be made in writing, and must be signed by the person conveying the rights.

[callym]

The problem is that I don't know his last name and he lives in another country like 4000 kilometers from me.
I've been looking at obituarys of their local newspaper but there's nothing yet. It takes a day or two usually right?

I really don't know what I should do in case I can't find his obituary

[aaron]

You're clearly not in the United States. This is a U.S. forum. Consult a lawyer in your nation.