[phil_will1]

"Being able to hold a trademark or patent for 50 years is absurd."

It is my understanding that US patent law recently changed from a 17 year term to 20 years. I don't have any knowledge of 50 year patents. Where did you get that information from?

[esoxmagnum]

Look at Disney

How long has Disney held the trademark on Mickey Mouse?

Since 1923? They have pushed the copyright law on all of their products to the extreme.

Heck, they even go out of their way to steal copyrights from others, ie. Pooh Bear, The Happy Birthday Song, just to name a few, then protect them with a never ending copyright and/or trademark.

It has been my understanding that this was done to "help preserve the Florida economy" on which they argued, it was imperative that they retain exclusive rights on all of their intellectual properties.

I could be wrong, so please correct me if I am.