[MNASIS-L] Copyright Panel Discussion (today 4.07.2003)

[Janet M. Arth]

LAW LECTURE SERIES, THE COPYRIGHT MOUSETRAP: WHO OWNS CULTURE?

A forum on the ownership of ideas in the wake of Eldred v. Ashcrof 4/7, 4-6 
pm, Room 25, Law School

Moderator: Jim Chen-U of M Law School
Panelists: Siva Vaidhyanathan-New York U; Kembrew Mcleod- U of Iowa; Ann 
Dunn Wessbert-Faegre & Benson; Sharon Sandeen- Hamline U School of Law

In January of this year, the Supreme Court decided Eldred v. Ashcroft, 
holding that the 20-year extension to all current and future copyrights 
passed by Congress in 1998 is constitutional. Advocates of strong copyright 
protections say that long copyright terms provide needed incentive for 
creators of books, movies, music, and other works. Opponents say that long 
copyrights stifle creativity by keeping artists from building upon older 
works that remain protected. The panel will be discussing the ramifications 
of the Eldred decision for future creativity, future legislation, and 
future copyright activism.