it’s that they can lose the trademark if they don’t try to defend it
So the copyright and trademark system needs to change then.
Also, those laws were essentially ghostwritten by Disney and the like, so I very much doubt that wasn’t an intentional thing so they can go “look, we have to sue you, our hands are tied!”
To clarify, you don’t need to defend copyright to maintain it, only trademarks. They’re very different things. Copyright is meant to protect you from people just reprinting your stuff (and privacy). Trademarks are meant to protect the distinguishing features your company uses to separate it from other companies.
Copyright (and patents - they’re different, but have similar ideas behind them) were meant to be a compromise. Creator gets to profit from their idea for a predetermined time, with protection from the state, then when that time is up, it becomes owned by “the people” and therefore nobody’s use is any more legitimate than anyone else’s. But Disney broke copyright by extending it to its current ridiculous extent…
So I guess what I’m saying is, as long as the period is short, it can be a net benefit - but when it’s life plus 75 years or whatever it is now, it stifles creativity.
It doesn’t need to be stronger, fair use needs to be expanded and lawyers need to be fined for taking on and wasting court time with obviously unnecessary cases.
Or just put everything into the public domain after 28 years.
So the copyright and trademark system needs to change then.
Also, those laws were essentially ghostwritten by Disney and the like, so I very much doubt that wasn’t an intentional thing so they can go “look, we have to sue you, our hands are tied!”
To clarify, you don’t need to defend copyright to maintain it, only trademarks. They’re very different things. Copyright is meant to protect you from people just reprinting your stuff (and privacy). Trademarks are meant to protect the distinguishing features your company uses to separate it from other companies.
Ha so now you’re arguing copyright should be stronger? jfc
Copyright, trademarks, etc. do nothing but hinder innovation and create wealth inequality.
Copyright (and patents - they’re different, but have similar ideas behind them) were meant to be a compromise. Creator gets to profit from their idea for a predetermined time, with protection from the state, then when that time is up, it becomes owned by “the people” and therefore nobody’s use is any more legitimate than anyone else’s. But Disney broke copyright by extending it to its current ridiculous extent…
So I guess what I’m saying is, as long as the period is short, it can be a net benefit - but when it’s life plus 75 years or whatever it is now, it stifles creativity.
It doesn’t need to be stronger, fair use needs to be expanded and lawyers need to be fined for taking on and wasting court time with obviously unnecessary cases.
Or just put everything into the public domain after 28 years.
Did you see the “Fables” creator’s recent action and commentary on IP law? https://billwillingham.substack.com/p/willingham-sends-fables-into-the