Comment Re:Copyright needs reform (Score 3, Interesting) 93
How about back down to what they were originally in this country: 14 years with an optional 14 year extension that you had to specifically file for.
If I were able to reshape copyright law myself, I'd do three things:
1) All new works are copyrighted for 14 years plus a one-time 14 year extension that you must file for.
2) All non-commercial infringing (i.e. no profit motive - and, no, ads don't count) would carry a penalty of $100 times the market value of the work. For example, get caught distributing 500 MP3s? Your fine would be around $50,000 (500 * $1). Still high, but not "bankrupt you for life" high.
3) All existing copyrights would phase out gradually. (This would be a concession to businesses.) Starting with the oldest material, five years' worth of material would enter the public domain every year until all material was under the new copyright length. This should give companies plenty of time to plan for the public domain.