Letter to the Editor: Intellectual Property Waiting for the President's signature is a bill that lengthens U.S. copyright protection for authors, songwriters and other artists by 20 years. Current U.S. law provides only a life-plus-50 year protection. This is a boon for engineers, scientists and mathematicians. Our profession has long been in the background of such gifts from our nation. The American Institute of Engineers, Inc. has had a significant hand in this legislation. We are now on-par with the European Community. Engr. Martin S. Gottlieb, President of AIE |
Congress OKs bill on copyright protectionIn 1999, Congress passed a bill that lengthens U.S. copyright protection for authors, songwriters and other artists by 20 years and allows restaurants, retail stores and physicians' offices to play background music without paying any royalties. A compromise version of the measure won approval by voice vote in both the House and Senate and was sent to President Clinton. Officials said Clinton was expected to sign it into law in the next week. The legislation was needed to bring U.S. law into line with practices in the European Community, which grants copyright protection for 70 years after the death of the writer or artist involved. Current U.S. law provides only a life-plus-50 year protection. |