Elvis has left the building-copyright subject

L25 wrote on 8/29/2004, 7:25 AM
About 3 weeks ago I heard a radio program about how the next decade will release seminal recordings into the public domain, under EU law. I have yet to find the transcripts to that radio show. But here is an article that focuses on the same thing.

http://www.indexonline.org/news/20040812_unitedstates.shtml

Anyone know the radio program I am referring to?

Comments

farss wrote on 8/29/2004, 4:52 PM
Don't know the program but read the article. What's being said is under EU rules copyright on recordings is starting to expire hence material goes into public domain.
I can see good and bad to this. Good that then if anyone is interested in it they should be able to get it and distribute it. Bad that an artist looses control over HIS work after a set time and while he's still alive.
Solution suggested and one I'd support is a renewable copyright system like the US used to have. If the copyright owner feels there's value in the work or want to retain control they pay a small fee per work. If they don't it becomes public domain. This means they can control what they want and let the rest go.
Extending the time period means vast catalogues remain locked up for a very long time. The owners could put unwanted material into the public domain but this very, very rarely happens.

Bob.
Spot|DSE wrote on 8/29/2004, 7:51 PM
This accidentally happened with "Night of the Living Dead," as the copyright was never registered correctly, AND when it did expire, the owners weren't aware, and alllowed it to expire. It's now a public domain movie, free for download, and free for anyone to use in their works.
riredale wrote on 8/30/2004, 8:12 AM
Hmmm...

Let's see, how can I use some of that footage in my choir documentary?

The possibilities are endless...
Orcatek wrote on 8/30/2004, 1:05 PM
I believe "It's a Wonderful Life" also lost its copyright too.