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The United Kingdom is holding a consultation as to when a provision of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 should take effect. Copyright in works of artistic craftsmanship—utilitarian objects (even if mass-produced) which are deemed artistic—shall be extended. Currently, the copyright lasts for 25 years after an item is first offered for sale; the new term will be for the life of the creator, then another 70 years. This means that some works which are now in the public domain will become copyrighted. Publishers of derivative works of such items, for example a book or film in which a work of artistic craftsmanship was photographed, will be obliged to obtain permissions, except for uses which fall under fair dealing.
The provisions may come into effect as soon as 2016, or as late as five years hence, depending on the outcome of the consultation.
(Score: 2) by davester666 on Monday December 14 2015, @09:02AM
Yes. The only reason someone designs a chair is the certain knowledge that nobody else is allowed to make one like it for at least 25 years.
Now, people will flock to chair-design knowing they will be able to rake in the cash for 70 years after they die.
It's only fair.
Please ignore the fact that, of all chair designs, there MIGHT be 50 chair designs that are still for sale (new) 25 years after the design was first put into production.
What makes this beyond stupid is that that not only do you have the sole right to making and selling of said chair design, but also that you own some portion of any image of the chair, even after you have sold it.