Re: S.505 Signed

George L. Abbott <glabbott[_at_]library.syr.edu> wrote:
>
> Joseph Pietro Riolo <riolo[_at_]voicenet.com> wrote:
> >
> >. These provisions will become effective
> > 90 days after the signing of S. 505.
> >
> > In sorrow,
>
> As I read the announcement of the President's signing of S.505 it
> notes the provisions become effective 90 days after signing.
>
> Does this mean that from Midnight on January 1, 1999 until 11:59pm on
> January 20, 1999 the old provisions apply and that in fact some works
> do enter the public domain. -- For that period of time (20 days)?
> -- Or permanently, since I think I saw someone write that you could
> not take a work out of public domain?

  I believe that the term extension part of S. 505 is effective "on the date of enactment" , so this is already in effect. See Sec. 106 of Title I of the Act..

   On the other hand, Title II (dealing with music licensing) goes into effect in 90 days. See.Sec. 207 of Title II.

   As I read the bill, copyrighted works that entered the public domain prior to enactment of the bill remain in the public domain. Works still protected by copyright have their term extended by 20 years.

   Regards,
     Bob Kreiss

• Robert A. Kreiss Phone: 937-229-2256 *
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