Quote:
Originally Posted by stonetools
I wonder if these nations are known for their great art, outstanding literature or long list of scientific or technical innovations. I suspect not.
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Afghanistan's the most well-known nation that has no copyright. Lack of copyright may be part of what makes it possible to rebuild after the destructive efforts of the Taliban.
I'm not arguing that abolition of copyright would be a good thing, especially a technological age where mega-corporations stand waiting like vultures to snap up anything they find useful. But the world managed quite a lot of art & science before copyright was invented, and quite a lot more on very limited copyright terms, and we shouldn't be stuck on the idea that copyright is the only way to allow creativity to flourish and be rewarded.
Mostly, I'd like to see the initial no-registration-necessary term shortened immensely (perhaps to 10 years? 15? That should be long enough to find out if something is financially valuable), and a registration-based term require a substantial fee, possibly increasing fees by length of term.