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The current term of protection for software is the life of…

“The current term of protection for software is the life of an author plus 70 years, or, if it's work-for-hire, a total of 95 years. This is a bastardization of the Constitution's requirement that copyright be for "limited times."” quote by Lawrence Lessig
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“The current term of protection for software is the life of an author plus 70 years, or, if it's work-for-hire, a total of 95 years. This is a bastardization of the Constitution's requirement that copyright be for "limited times."”

Lawrence Lessig

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Copyright terms are excessively long, contrary to the Constitution’s “limited times” principle.

In simple terms: Copyright lasts too long, limiting freedom.

Key Takeaway

Advocate for shorter copyright durations.

Themes

law intellectual property freedom

Mood

critical analytical

Type

legal philosophical

When to use this quote

  • publishing
  • software development
  • media creation

Key Concepts

public domain creative commons

Questions to Reflect On

  • Should copyright balance creator rights and public access?
  • What is a fair duration?
A Different Perspective

Shorter terms may reduce creator incentives.

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