Replies

"Works Originally Created on or after January 1, 1978
A work that is created (fixed in tangible form for the first time) on or after January 1, 1978, is automatically protected from the moment of its creation and is ordinarily given a term enduring for the author's life plus an additional 70 years after the author's death. In the case of "a joint work prepared by two or more authors who did not work for hire," the term lasts for 70 years after the last surviving author's death. For works made for hire, and for anonymous and pseudonymous works (unless the author's identity is revealed in Copyright Office records), the duration of copyright will be 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter."

And here, from the Copyright Office, are the limits. Why so long? Because such works are the property of the author, and may be bequeathed to surviving heirs.

Eventually, however, it all goes into the Public Domain. There IS a limit, so the Constitutional limit is preserved.

Oh, by the way, if you really want to understand the constitutional limits on copyright, here is good article on that subject. The constitutional provision is intended more for the benefit of the public than for the benefit of the copyright holder and the Founders did not anticipate or want constant extensions of copyright duration whose effect was to ensure copyright in perpetuity, which is exactly what has unfortunately taken place.

Educate yourself.

Oh, by the way, if you really want to understand the constitutional limits on copyright, here is good article on that subject. The constitutional provision is intended more for the benefit of the public than for the benefit of the copyright holder and the Founders did not anticipate or want constant extensions of copyright duration whose effect was to ensure copyright in perpetuity, which is exactly what has unfortunately taken place.

Educate yourself.

Ah! I found you a graph that neatly demonstrates how abusive legislation has effectively kept copyright way out of range of the reasonable period the Founders envisioned in the Constitution.