Movie and book copyright going against its intended purpose

[Sun]

We all know of copyright. That (sometimes) pesky c in a circle.

But, I think movie and book copyright is going against it's intended purpose.

Originally, in the USA, copyright protection lasted only 28 years. This means the whole Star Wars franchise should have been copyright-free by 2011. Copyright used to only protect works from the government.

But, we all know that didn't happen. Between 1776 and 1991, authors and Congress have agreed that copyright was too short (yeah right too short...if I had a say in history, I would've decreased it to 10 years), and extended copyright protection to be the life of the creator plus 50 years. Which means Star Wars will be free from copyright in 2072. Originally, copyright was also intended to promote the creation of new stuff instead of locking us from using and modifying others' ideas. For example, if someone wanted to make an anime Star Wars, too bad because counterproductive copyright laws are in the way. Major disappointment in copyright laws. CGP Grey has a great explanation on this very issue, you should watch it. Come on, copyright laws. Go back to 28 years, or eventually cause an internet war. I know which one I would pick if I controlled copyright.

In short, I copyright used to promote new works. Now, it has movie makers in gridlock because they can't make a movie about a group of people and creatures fighting an evil force in space, or any variant. Go home copyright laws, return to your original purpose.

Have I ranted enough about this?

Note: this is just my point of view. Don't get angry.

[Godot]

...

In short, I copyright used to promote new works. Now, it has movie makers in gridlock because they can't make a movie about a group of people and creatures fighting an evil force in space, or any variant. Go home copyright laws, return to your original purpose.

...

There have been many SciFi-Movies about fighting an evil force in space (actually I guess a rather large percentage of SciFi-Movies is about this topic ) ... some of them even feature elements of Star Wars ... just look at the wookie like creature with the axe that keeps one of the female protagonists as prisoner in "The war in space" (Wakusei Daisenso) (1977) .. or look at Space Balls

Movie Makers just aren´t able to make movies set in the Star Wars universe itself

Edited August 9, 2014 by Godot

[razark]

So, copyright used to promote people to do new stuff, but now it just prevents them from doing the stuff that's already been done?

[Sun]

So, copyright used to promote people to do new stuff, but now it just prevents them from doing the stuff that's already been done?

Exactly.

(10chars)

[vger]

You do realize just how closely the first Abrams Star Trek rips off of Star Wars, right?

It can be done.

[razark]

Exactly.

X, but now X.

[Jouni]

In science, copyright basically means that the author permanently transfers all rights to the publisher without receiving any compensation. On the other hand, pretty much every scientist just ignores it and distributes their works freely, even though they might not have the right to do so.

I guess the real purpose of copyright is to keep youth off the streets by transforming them into copyright lawyers and other mostly useless bureaucrats.

[Nuke]

disney makes a fortune putting their own spin on public domain works. its sad that they are the same people killing it off with copyright lobbying every time there is danger of the mouse becoming public domain.

[vger]

disney makes a fortune putting their own spin on public domain works. its sad that they are the same people killing it off with copyright lobbying every time there is danger of the mouse becoming public domain.

Waiting for the next fiasco when that starts up again. Pretty soon now, I think.

The really scary one is when Disney started trying to legally trademark the name "Snow White." Not a logo. Just the words. Effectively allowing them to claim ownership of a public domain title (which they sort of do anyway, since everyone thinks Disney created most of the classic fairy tales)

[Uncle Mort]

You do realize just how closely the first Abrams Star Trek rips off of Star Wars, right?

It can be done.

Not so much a rip off rather both use the same SF tropes and clichés.

[Tex_NL]

I agree, it is outrages how certain companies abuse copyright laws and try to claim the public domain as their own. But I also think it is time for the devils advocate to step in. Copyright laws do have some positive side too.

Let's assume you're a young aspiring writer. You've just finished a brilliant screenplay. To fulfil it's potential will require a great deal of money but since you're still a nobody none of the movie studio's are willing to invest in your risky proposal.

Disappointed you start searching for money in other areas: friends, family, crowd funding, corporate sponsoring. Even a second mortgage on your house.

You barely manage to scrape enough money together to finish your project. With the limited funds you had the sets and effects leave much to be desired. And the actors are cast from the local drama theatre and highschool musical. With lacking effects and no actors to speak of, to no one's surprise your movie never catches on with the general public. But since the story itself is brilliant it does generate a buzz and gathers a loyal following.

Now suddenly the studios do take notice. But not the movie studios that turned you down. This time it's the TV studios you never considered contacting since you wrote a movie script, not a TV series. TV studios pour millions into the idea and it becomes the biggest hit since sliced bread making them billions.

And you? You're still slaving away, paying off your second mortgage. Nobody cares about you, without copyright laws nobody is protecting YOUR idea and YOUR money!

[Seret]

It all depends on what you consider the "intended purpose" of copyright is. Is the purpose to maximise the profits people can gain from their works, or is it to encourage creativity by allowing authors a reasonable period of exclusivity? The original intention seems to have been the latter, but it's been extended more towards the former over time.

[vger]

Tex, copyright wouldn't protect you from bigwigs cashing in on your idea anyway. It's notoriously easy to chance a story to the point that it would be legally "new."

Or if you're Disney, you don't really need to change a thing. If you're in the mood for a little vomit-inducing reality, look up the "Finding Nemo" lawsuit.

Remember that courts do NOT in anyway favor the innocent. They favor whoever has the money necessary to wage the battle. In a David vs. Goliath scenario, Goliath can keep a trial going for ten times the length it realistically should, through postponements and appeals. Meanwhile, David is STILL having to shell out tons of money to lawyers, even when nothing is actually getting done. It just turns into a siege until the little guy can no longer afford it. Goliath often wins without ever having to prove anything.

Edited August 10, 2014 by vger

[Tex_NL]

Tex, copyright wouldn't protect you from bigwigs cashing in on your idea anyway. It's notoriously easy to chance a story to the point that it would be legally "new."

Or if you're Disney, you don't really need to change a thing. If you're in the mood for a little vomit-inducing reality, look up the "Finding Nemo" lawsuit.

Remember that courts do NOT in anyway favor the innocent. They favor whoever has the money necessary to wage the battle. In a David vs. Goliath scenario, Goliath can keep a trial going for ten times the length it realistically should, through postponements and appeals. Meanwhile, David is STILL having to shell out tons of money to lawyers, even when nothing is actually getting done. It just turns into a siege until the little guy can no longer afford it. Goliath often wins without ever having to prove anything.

All true. Big corporations laugh at rules as they have the endurance to stall and prolong lawsuits. But with copyrights laws at least you have a chance. Without them you'll have nothing.

[rtxoff]

Money rules the world. If you like it or not.

[Vanamonde]

Wow did this thread ever get off-topic. Please leave discussions of politics and terrorism for other forums, folks.