Re: Copyright Term Extension

From: Buford Terrell <terrell[_at_]gateway.stcl.edu>
Date: Mon, 17 Feb 1997 12:30:15 -0600

On 2/14/97, Sheldon W. Halpern <shalpern[_at_]pop.service.ohio-state.edu> wrote:
>
> It is by no means self-evident to me that copyright term extension
> is necessarily a bad thing; "copyright" and "public domain" cannot be
> considered in abstract as "good" or "bad."
>
> While Dennis' work here has been thoughtful and considered, it is
> unfortunate that an aura of "correctness" has enveloped many discussions
> of copyright, Trademark, intellectual property, and moral right. I
> probably do ultimately agree with Dennis's position, but I would hope
> that the matter will occasion serious discussion.

There may be no abstract "good" or "bad" in the duration of copyright, but I think there is a strong presumption in favor of the public domain and anyone arguing for greater protection bears a very heavy burden of proof.

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Buford C. Terrell                           CAUTION:
Professor of Law                            Objects in your
South Texas College of Law                  future
1303 San Jacinto                            are closer than
Houston, Texas 77002                        they appear!

(713)646-1857
terrell[_at_]stcl.edu Received on Tue Feb 18 1997 - 07:53:01 GMT