New Life for Old Classics, as Their Copyrights Run Out

This coming year marks the first time in two decades that a large body of copyrighted works will lose their protected status — a shift that will have profound consequences for publishers and literary estates, which stand to lose both money and creative control.

But it will also be a boon for readers, who will have more editions to choose from, and for writers and other artists who can create new works based on classic stories without getting hit with an intellectual property lawsuit.

New Life for Old Classics, as Their Copyrights Run Out

In 1998 copyright laws were extended 20 years for works released from 1923 to 1977. The law was given the nickname the Mickey Mouse Protection Act because it protected the first film with Mickey in it till 2024.

Works published in 1923 are now no longer under copyright protection. Every year more works will lose their copyright protection.

originally posted by: LookingAtMars

This coming year marks the first time in two decades that a large body of copyrighted works will lose their protected status — a shift that will have profound consequences for publishers and literary estates, which stand to lose both money and creative control.

But it will also be a boon for readers, who will have more editions to choose from, and for writers and other artists who can create new works based on classic stories without getting hit with an intellectual property lawsuit.

New Life for Old Classics, as Their Copyrights Run Out



In 1998 copyright laws were extended 20 years for works released from 1923 to 1977. The law was given the nickname the Mickey Mouse Protection Act because it protected the first film with Mickey in it till 2024.

Works published in 1923 are now no longer under copyright protection. Every year more works will lose their copyright protection.

My 1st copyright was 1974 ....the last, 2007...Im good ..many renewed, Uhiversal/Sony royalties keep coming quarterly ..

a reply to: mysterioustranger

It opens up opportunity for writer to use these works. What works do you have copyrighted?

ETA: Sorry I guess that was a silly question. What kind of works do you have copyrighted?

originally posted by: LookingAtMars
a reply to: mysterioustranger

It opens up opportunity for writer to use these works. What works do you have copyrighted?

ETA: Sorry I guess that was a silly question. What kind of works do you have copyrighted?

80+ musical copyrights '74-2000's
4 literary-
1 biography of famous rocker
2 short novels, 1 on the psychedelic sixties, 1 on paranormal experiences
1 Children's fairy tale
+
1 International Trademark

a reply to: mysterioustranger

Very diverse list, nice. That sure is a lot of musical copyrights! Thanks for the reply.

originally posted by: LookingAtMars
a reply to: mysterioustranger

Very diverse list, nice. That sure is a lot of musical copyrights! Thanks for the reply.

Yes, times have changed. We never anticipated the coming digital-personal computer-smartphone age in the 70's.

Still using 8-tks and FM radio...in STEREO yet....it was a different time.

I've always been a proponent of a simple, single, one time "originator" copyright to establish who originally created a work.

Then we could share away knowing whom created the work in the 1st place...and then everyone could freely upload and download without negative impact and by acknowledging the writer.

Thanks ....