Slashdot Mirror
UK Copyright Extension Not Happening
chiark writes "In a surprising move (surveys said that the public supports extending copyright), the UK will not extend copyright to 95 years following a recent study. Back when this was was covered on slashdot last year, I wrote to my MP and thought no more of it, but recently a UK thinktank has called for fair use to be enshrined in UK Law. Looks like the government is realizing that the public are the ones that vote 'em in or out." From the article: "Sir Cliff Richard and Jethro Tull had been among artists lobbying for copyright to last 95 years, rather than the present 50. The decision means that from 2008 Sir Cliff's earliest recordings will start to come out of copyright. "
I used the idea of a savings account to put things in the starkest light, but it really could be any property I create. If I start and then leave a profitable company... do I have to give up my stock after 50 years? Why not? If I create sculptures that I charge people to see in my gallery, do I have to give them up after 50 years? If the answer is no, why should copyright be any different? It's a product of my hard work and skills just as these other things are.
I don't know if I'm making this any clearer - I'm just uncomfortable with society appropriating my property when "it" feels I've had it long enough. Take it when I'm dead if you want, but as long as I'm alive, it should be mine.
The refutation of the extension is exactly that - refutation of an extension, not a rejection of the entire idea.
No argument with that, good point.
Yeah? Well I think you're overrated too.