askBeehaw: should copyright even exist at all? and if it should, how long *should* the ideal term of copyright be?

alyaza [they/she]@beehaw.orgmod to Chat@beehaw.org – 192 points –

a perennial favorite topic of debate. sound off in the replies.

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I'm fine with copyright, but it should end when the author dies instead of extending x years after the death. But patents should be limited to a few years after product release and the loopholes closed. Right now some patents can be extened infinitely.

I agree although I would continue it for a spouse or living children under age 18. Also only human persons should be legally able to hold copyrights.

I think that's how it originally was until Disney realized they were gonna lose Mickey Mouse after Walt Disney died and single handedly got copyright law rewritten in their favor.

Copyright Act of 1790
Term of 14 years
Renewal of 14 years

Copyright Act of 1831
Term extended to 28 years
Renewal of 14 years

Copyright Act of 1909
Term of 28 years
Renewal extended to 28 years

Copyright Act of 1976
Life of the author, plus 50 years (generally)
75 years from date of publication or 120 years from date of creation (anonymous works, pseudonymous works, and works made for hire)

Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act (1998)
Life of the author, plus 70 years (generally)
95 years from date of publication or 120 years from date of creation (anonymous works, pseudonymous works, and works made for hire)

Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act (1998) is what Disney was able to lobby for to extend the life of Mickey for another 20 years. It expires in 2024. But trademark will still be valid.