Disney Lost Roger Rabbit
4 days ago
- #media-industry
- #copyright
- #creators-rights
- Disney has lost the rights to Roger Rabbit due to Termination of Transfer, a copyright provision benefiting creators.
- Termination of Transfer allows creators to reclaim copyrights after 35 years, originally designed to be automatic after 25 years but was weakened by media industry lobbying.
- The media industry's monopsony power means creators often have to sign away rights to a few dominant companies, reducing their earnings despite copyright expansions.
- George Clinton successfully used Termination of Transfer to reclaim rights from a fraudulent contract, highlighting its importance for artists.
- Gary K. Wolf reclaimed Roger Rabbit rights and plans a sequel, demonstrating Termination of Transfer's role in renegotiating successful works.
- The article criticizes the media industry's exploitation of creators and advocates for stronger protections like Termination of Transfer.
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