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Originally Posted by dmaul1114
Yeah, something like that.
We need a different type of copyright law for those held by corporations than those held by individuals for sure since death obviously doesn't work for corporations.
Something like fixed 75-90 years probably works when you figure most of the creators are going to be in their early 20s or older if they're writing, directing, producing etc.
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I'd support a fixed term of 50 years from the date of the original release, rounded to 1 January of the next year, with no renewal. Reasons:
- Using the date of original release provides a fixed reference point. The time it takes an author to write a book is not a factor, it's the date the book is actually released that matters for copyright purposes.
- Fifty years is essentially the life of the creator but doesn't depend on when the creator actually passes on. It also removes the factor of who presently has the copyright on a item, whether an individual or a corporation it makes no difference.
- Rounding to 1 January is for simplicity, with everything released in a particular year falling into the public domain at the same time.
Basically, this rule makes it clear what is and is not in the public domain. Under this rule, any book released in 1960 would enter the public domain on 1 January 2011.
Just my opinion, and hopefully something that might work.