The automatic renewal only applies to post-1963 works. Before that, if they weren’t renewed after their first 28 years, that’s too bad– they’re in the PD. And as for films and TV, pre-1964, if they were not registered and deposited with the Library of Congress, they could NOT be renewed until that was done.

So, a mere notice on one of these works– or someone now claiming that they were previously unpublished, so they are copyrighting it now– is not valid. They are in the full PD.

“Copyright is an unethical 18th century anachronism to be ignored by anyone who recognises the individual’s natural right to liberty and the injustice of privilege that suspends it.”

No. Just… no.

Copyright is a necessary compromise between the culture and the creative.

It is intended to give the creative enough reward to produce more creative stuff. Take that away and many creators will stop creating.

Or, to put it another way, it should allow the creative to do anything, but not enough for them to do nothing.

The problem is that it has gone way too far in the other direction. The copyright mob sound like Gollum: “It’s ours forever, my precious..!” Somebody needs to tell these folks “NO”.

Copyright is an unethical 18th century anachronism to be ignored by anyone who recognises the individual’s natural right to liberty and the injustice of privilege that suspends it.

By copying and improving upon each other’s work is how Homo Sapiens has progressed for aeons. To submit to the corrupt legislation that prohibits it is a dereliction of one’s duty to mankind.

Share and build upon mankind’s cultural heritage without fear or hesitation.