Supreme Court Affirms Copyright Term Extension Act

Information Today, January 20, 2003

U. of Pittsburgh Legal Studies Research Paper Series

3 Pages Posted: 15 Oct 2009

Abstract

On January 15, 2003, the United States Supreme Court released its much anticipated opinion upholding the 1998 Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act (CTEA). The Act extended the term of existing copyrights by 20 years, and also provided for longer terms for future copyrights, at least 70 years and in some cases well over 120 years.

The Supreme Court’s decision, like the underlying Act, has been seen as a major victory for large-scale commercial copyright holders such as Disney and Time Warner, who’s creations like Mickey Mouse and the great movies and compositions of the 1920’s and early 30’s, are now protected until the year 2020 and beyond. Whether or not these commercial enterprises should be entitled to this victory will continue to be debated. However, there remain serious concerns that lesser works that have limited availability and commercial value will be the victims of the Act.

Keywords: Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act, Copyright Term Extension Act, CTEA, copyright law, commercial copyrights, lawsuits, copyright infringement, United States Supreme Court

Suggested Citation

Pike, George H., Supreme Court Affirms Copyright Term Extension Act. Information Today, January 20, 2003 , U. of Pittsburgh Legal Studies Research Paper Series , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1489096

George H. Pike (Contact Author)

Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law ( email )

375 E. Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
United States
312-503-0295 (Phone)
312-503-9230 (Fax)

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