[d at DCC] Copyright status of Willie and Bill

[Robert Smits]

On Monday 05 February 2007 19:24, Darryl Moore wrote:
> OK, I need help.
>
> While doing more research for my copyright DVD-ROM project I came across
> an interesting website.
> http://www.archive.org/details.php?identifier=SteamboatBillJr
>
> It states that Steamboat Bill Jr is now in the public domain (in the
> States anyway) But the SonnyBono Act was to lengthen the term of
> copyright to keep that pesky mouse under lock and key until about 2020.
> Both films were produced in the same year in the States which has a term
> from publication copyright duration. So how is it that one is public
> domain and the other is not?????
>
> Some insight from someone on this would be most appreciated.
>

Prior to 1978, owners of US copyright had to renew their copyright for an 
additional term. If the Steamboat Bill Jr copyright wasn't renewed it could 
have fallen into the public domain as early as 1956, I think.

-- 
Bob Smits bob at rsmits.ca 
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