The earliest versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse entered the public domain in the United States at the start of this year, 95 years since they were introduced to the public.
Canada’s extension of copyright to 70 years after an author’s death puts corporate profits ahead of the public interest.
(CHRISTOPHER DOMBRES/flickr)
Copyright lasts the life of the author plus 70 years before it enters the public domain. But the author and their family are often not the beneficiary. Perhaps it’s time for shrink that term.
Usefulness and value extends far beyond the century in which they were created.
British Library
Artistic works in the public domain may be free, but they form the basis of derivative works worth millions to the economy.
If you’re in favor of copyright extensions – and aren’t a corporation holding the rights or a descendent of the original author – you probably need some sense knocked into you.
Flickr
In 1998, if Congress hadn’t extended copyrights by 20 years, George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises and Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind would all be in the public domain…
Some 95 years after the last Sherlock Holmes story was published, several parties are locked in a landmark US litigation case.
Flickr/Tom Margie
Sherlock Holmes faces his greatest challenge – since his fight to the death with Professor James Moriarty at Reichenbach Falls. Who owns Sherlock Holmes, the world’s greatest detective? Is it the estate…