this post was submitted on 24 Jun 2023
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askBeehaw: should copyright even exist at all? and if it should, how long should the ideal term of copyright be? (beehaw.org)
submitted 2 years ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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a perennial favorite topic of debate. sound off in the replies.

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[–] [email protected] 10 points 2 years ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 2 years ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Sounds like they had a hand in the one in the 70s as well. https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/how-disney-routinely-exerted-influence-on-the-us-copyright-law-to-keep-its-greatest-asset-mickey-mouse-549141 But yeah not quite as cut and dry as I initially put it.