I just got a copyright claim against a video I posted on youtube 10 years ago.
The video is a film by Georges Melies that was shot in the 1890s.
Someone is attempting to claim copyright over a film that is 130 years old, who's director died 86 years ago.
Now 1) I don't give a shit about this clip on youtube. 2) The person who made this claim is clearly in the wrong. 3) I can't be the only one that they have targeted illegally. 4) Youtube is a problem.
As an archivist, let me say clearly:
Modern copyright law is actively harmful to the preservation and study of our culture.
It harms artists by giving undue power to publishers. It harms artists by limiting remixes. It harms preservation and research efforts.
It's broken. It's bad. It should be massively reformed.
@ajroach42 I am of the opinion that the copyright of works by an individual are fine - except for the term. They don't need to feed the creator's grandkids' grandkids.
Copyright of works by a corporation? Should be like patents - super short. 20 years at most.
Transfers of copyrights TO a corporation should immediately cause them to move to the corporation term.
How about "works by an individual - life of the individual + 20 years; works by a corporation - 20 years; works by an individual then assigned to a corporation - 20 years from date of assignment; or the remainder of the original individual copyright if assigned after the death of the creator."
Andrew (Television Executive)
CharonPDX