Quote:
Originally Posted by Iphinome
For the first part, why? We have a public domain for a reason. People can go in change the body lines file off the serial numbers and then add a fancy new horn, why shouldn't everyone get access to that new horn the way they have access to the unmodified version, if someone comes up with a similar new horn why should they be stopped because the horn was someone else's idea? why shouldn't the common culture be shared? I know I'm taking about something that would be a patent not a copyright but a patent lasts for 20 years, copyright can easily last for 150 years what justification is there for giving anyone an 150 year monopoly? In what way does this promote the progress of the useful arts?
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If you create something to sell for profit, and get a patent and/or copyright on it, they should have a monopoly over it.
Again, nothing stopping people who just want to create something for anyone to enjoy from doing so. No one's forced to apply for a patent/copyright or to try to sell their creation.
But the system is in place to spur creativity and innovation. People will work harder to create things others will want if they can make money doing so, and not just have people steal it, others copy it/plagiarize it etc. I don't lift a finger to do anything if I'm not getting paid for it. Otherwise I'll spend my time on my hobbies, my friends, my family etc., not doing work for strangers to enjoy with no benefit to myself.
So they should have the monopoly on it. Though I do agree that it's too long currently. Copyright should just last for the creator's lifetime IMO, and then it's public domain. Screw the publisher if the creator dies at 25. It was the creator's work, not theirs, not the creator's family etc.