[Gllug] Some good news - copyright on sound recordings not to be extended

[James Roberts]

>> Personally I think copyright should be valid until the death/dissolution
>> of the holder.
> 
> Aside from the problem with companies potentially lasting forever, I'm
> not sure I like the idea that an artist who dies shortly after
> producing something would lose all rights.  I'd go for a fixed term
> for date of publication.  Something like 20-50 years depending on the
> medium.

With respect to all:

if we are going to discuss copyright (in the UK) we might as well get it 
right, many posters have not. One can go to the source:

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1988/Ukpga_19880048_en_1.htm

This has been revised various times. A very useful (but unofficial) 
compilation of the current rules can be found at:

http://www.patent.gov.uk/cdpact1988.pdf

or to reference a service some authors use (same info concisely presented):

http://www.copyrightservice.co.uk/copyright/p01_uk_copyright_law

- where Section 6.1 states:

"The 1988 Copyright, Designs and Patents Act states the duration as;
*For literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works*" (AFAIK includes 
source code)

"70 years from the end of the calendar year in which the last remaining 
author of the work dies.

If the author is unknown, copyright will last for 70 years from end of 
the calendar year in which the work was created, although if it is made 
available to the public during that time, (by publication, authorised 
performance, broadcast, exhibition, etc.), then the duration will be 70 
years from the end of the year that the work was first made available.
*Sound Recordings and broadcasts*

50 years from the end of the calendar year in which the work was 
created, or,

if the work is released within that time: 50 years from the end of the 
calendar year in which the work was first released.
*Films*

70 years from the end of the calendar year in which the last principal 
director, author or composer dies.

If the work is of unknown authorship: 70 years from end of the calendar 
year of creation, or if made available to the public in that time, 70 
years from the end of the year the film was first made available.
*Typographical arrangement of published editions*

25 years from the end of the calendar year in which the work was first 
published.
*Broadcasts and cable programmes*

50 years from the end of the calendar year in which the broadcast was made."

...so I hope that clears many issues up.

As already pointed out by another poster, the original argument is about 
the extension of royalty rights and not essentially about copyright.

And as Jason pointed out, it's already arguably too long and has been 
extended from 50 -> 70 years for many areas already.

Ex-music business geezer.

JR
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