Copyright sings to a different tune: the debate over copyright time limits

[mandy]

The debate over extending copyright time limits, and the new issues the digital age is bringing into the copyright debate:

Keeping time limits on copyright could open the way for a new wave of creativity, argues Kay Withers of the Institute for Public Policy Research think-tank.

In 2013, copyright in the sound recording of the Beatles' first album expires, as it will for recordings from Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard and other performers of the same period.

Of course, copyright of all works expires at some point. This is for a clear reason. Copyright is designed to provide reward and incentive for creators and innovators. It also recognises that innovators and creators build on works from the past, and that they need to access these works if art, culture and science are to flourish...

full article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4724664.stm