Quote:
Originally Posted by Hitch
Invert the question: if the ultimate objective was to put works in the PD, why a period of copyright AT ALL?
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Because if there was no incentive for these PD works to be created, where would they come from?
I had no idea there was any argument about this point.
In the US, at least, the Constitution says one of the powers of Congress is:
"To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;"
That is the foundation for US copyright law.
What's the purpose?
"To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts"
How do we do it?
"by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;"
I thought this was readily apparent from everything I've ever read*, and that the only debate was over details, like how "limited" should the time be, etc.
But, hey apparently people can disagree about anything:
https://www.lib.umn.edu/copyright/purpose#econ
ApK
* Disclosure: I've never read the arguments of Disney's lobbyists.