The bigger problem in my mind is all the orphaned works that will never be read, seen or enjoyed again because they are still locked behind the wall of copyright for owners who no longer care about them.
Or worse, works which could be used, but for which the process of actually figuring out who the holders are and tracking them down is prohibitively complicated and expensive.
Personally, I don't mind the idea so much of a perpetual copyright - provided it requires the rights owner to frequently and actively participate in the process to keep the protections active after the initial period. (and perhaps a fee schedule to reflect the supposed value of the piece) I think its possible for a copyright bill to exist that both the EFF and Disney can both support.
> Personally, I don't mind the idea so much of a perpetual copyright […]
Most people would find it unimaginable to consider Gulliver's Travels or Robinson Crusoe as copyrighted works — who should own them? The great-great-great-grandchildren of the authors? Some copyright acquisition firm? Shouldn't all incorporeal cultural output be returned to the public at some point?
