Copyright enables creators to ascribe value to (and ideally derive an income from) their imagination and hard work. The intent of the law is to encourage creation this way.
1931.
US Code Title 17 Circular 92 is a good source for copyright and related laws.
2005.
The link has a good basic introduction to the origins and history of copyright law.
Quite a bit. For information on US copyright laws, visit the website of the Copyright Office. For other countries, the WIPO website is a good place to start.
Rockland Music and You Look Good Music.
The life of the artist plus 70 years.
i don't know but that's a good book
The life of the artist plus 70 years.
Copyright laws attempt to create a balance between individual rights and the public good by creating exclusive rights, but providing numerous exceptions to them. The intent of the law is good; it is in the interpretation that problems can occur.
Yes, if you have a copyright in any country covered under a multi-lateral treaty, such as the USA under the Berne Convention, your copyright must be honored and protected by the laws of the other 160 countries under that Convention.
It can be said that the frequently extended terms of copyright are diminishing the public domain, but that is a matter of opinion. In general, copyright is a good thing, as it encourages people to create.