EU Extends Musical Copyright by 20 Years

[Goronmon]

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/04/eu-extends-musical-copyrights-by-20-years-eyes-movies-next.ars

The European Parliament late last week agreed to extend musical copyrights from their current 50-year term to 70 years. So all that early rock 'n roll about to pass into the public domain? Don't count on using it in your documentary for another two decades—and there's nothing to say that the term won't be extended again.

And it looks like they are going after movies next.

It sure is nice when politicians and businesses can work together to rewrite any laws that might hurt their bottom line.

[Telefrog]

Sad trombone (http://www.sadtrombone.com/).

[biosc1]

I blame Paul McCartney.

[Johan]

I'm as anti-piracy as one can be (unless you're a member of the RIAA...I don't go that far), but I have to admit, it becomes more and more attractive.

[Narradisall]

Those are classic tunes, they still make money! Just because most the original artists are dead doesnt mean that their children (or the music companies) cant continue to rim you for every penny.

You selfish bastards.