According to reports, Republicans have grown tired of The Walt Disney Company’s perceived “far-left activities.”[m]” und “giv[ing]In to the “woke mob.” They are now considering taking legal action to block the extension of copyright terms to Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse. Mickey, if allowed to expire, would be available in the public domain on January 1, 2024.
A company being punished for its political speech is a violation of the law and an abuse or power. Republicans should instead allow copyright laws to expire because that’s the only right thing, especially when it comes to the constitutional purposes of copyright law.
As National Review According to reports, Republicans in Congress are seeking to penalize Disney because of its opposition to Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law in March, as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill for its admonitions against “classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity…in a manner that is not age-appropriate…for students.” Republicans maintain that the law only formalizes a common-sense principle. Any It is important to only talk about sex or sexuality with the right audience. Otherwise, it could be a distraction from the topic at hand.
Disney, the Florida’s largest theme park, did not speak out before the bill was passed by the legislature. This led to widespread criticism from Disney employees. Disney CEO Bob Chapek expressed his regret for the lack of response from the company and stated that it was Disney’s desire that the law not be passed.
House Republicans, including Jim Banks from Indiana and Jordan from Ohio are responding by threatening that Disney’s copyright over Mickey Mouse will expire without any legislation to extend copyright terms. The law currently states that copyright on works published before 1978 lasts for 95 years. Mickey was first to be published in 1928’s silent short. Steamboat WillieHis copyright term is for the duration of its 95th anniversary, which means it will expire in 2023.
Copyright law wasn’t always generous. The power to “securify” copyright law was granted by Article I, Section 8, of the U.S Constitution.[e]Limited Time to Authors or Inventors, the Exclusive Right to Their Writings and Discoveries. Copyright Act of 1790 was the first to establish a 14-year period. Authors and Inventors could renew the rights for an additional 14 years if they were still living after that period expired. When Walt Disney released Steamboat WillieIn 1984, the terms doubled in length to 28 years. This meant Mickey Mouse would be available for purchase by 1984. But Congress has since extended those terms twice—each time by 20 years, and each time right before Mickey’s copyright was set to lapse.
It is contrary to copyright to allow Disney to retain exclusive rights to one its characters, which it has done for years and decades.
Although the Constitution allowed copyrights to be established, its stated purpose was to not financially benefit publishers but to help “Encourage the advancement of science and art.” Also, the purpose of copyrights was not to become monopolies for a century but to stimulate innovation. Mickey Mouse should not be left in the exclusive custody of just one company. Steamboat Willie It borrows from the films of that day and is totally against the Constitution as well as the spirit of free enterprise. Walt Disney did not get 95 years of exclusive rights in 1928. He still felt it appropriate to publish the film. Steamboat Willie—clearly, the existing laws did not deter innovation in animation.
Derek Khanna (a House Republican Study Committee staffer) drafted a memo calling for a restructuring of America’s copyright system. The document was based on the assumption that copyright laws in the United States do not encourage innovation. It advocated for reducing copyright terms and expanding exceptions such as fair use. Also, it suggested lowering penalties for violating copyright rules (which Disney jealously monitors).
The memo was a resounding success with lobbying groups representing content-creating industry. Khanna was dismissed after the RSC immediately retracted Khanna’s memo. Ironically, Jim Jordan at the time was chairman of RSC. This Congressman is now saying that Congress shouldn’t add to Disneys over 90 years federal copyright to support its new far right agenda. In ideal circumstances, Congress wouldn’t give AnyCompany will have copyright protection for 90 years, regardless of political goals. Jordan seems to believe that despite being corrupt, it is doing the right thing by pointing out Disney’s political speech.
Khanna stated, “I cannot think of an idea so facially unconstitutional.” There are reasons The news was announced the following week.[Jordan] is threatening to expire Disney—yes, copyright should expire, and that’s what the [RSC memo] said. However, it was the same for everybody. This activity would not be approved by me.”