It’s one thing that copyright/IP is such a matter of debate in the creative world, but a whole new layer is added onto that when people say that it only matters for a certain amount of time. You may have read all those articles a few months ago, the same ones telling us about how Mickey Mouse (technically Steamboat Willy) is now up for grabs 95 years after his creation.

There are those who say “as long as it’s popular it shouldn’t be pirated”, those who say “as long as the creator is around”, those who don’t apply a set frame, etc. I’ve even seen people say they wouldn’t dare redistribute paleolithic paintings because it was their spark on the world. What philosophy of statutes of limitation make the most sense to you when it comes to creative work?

  • @[email protected]
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    72 months ago

    I recall reading somewhere that less than 5 years is the average time it takes for most individual works to earn the majority of its value, tapering off from there

    So I’d probably do a 2-tier system:

    Tier 1: independent civilians. After 5 years any normal civvie can take your work and use it without your permission to do whatever they want with it

    Tier 2: Companies. Life of the author. For as long as the original creator is alive no company can ever use their work without permission