In January James Bond entered the public domain in Canada, New Zealand and other countries. More specifically the books written by Ian Fleming are now in the public domain but the movies are not. Link
One could now, in theory, make a James Bond movie based on the books, but in practice without being able to show the movie in Europe or the USA it won't happen. A person could also write new James Bond novels, as long as they took nothing from the movies or other licensed products. Perhaps even an animated series?
The Conservative government looks like they will probably change the law to extend copyright to 70 years as part of a future free trade agreement. If they don't, Lord of the Rings will enter the public domain in 9 years.
Is 50 years after the death of the creator long enough? Is 70 years like in the US and Europe more appropriate or should it be shortened to less than 50, say 25? Should Canada let a foreign corporation like Disney dictate the law?
One could now, in theory, make a James Bond movie based on the books, but in practice without being able to show the movie in Europe or the USA it won't happen. A person could also write new James Bond novels, as long as they took nothing from the movies or other licensed products. Perhaps even an animated series?
The Conservative government looks like they will probably change the law to extend copyright to 70 years as part of a future free trade agreement. If they don't, Lord of the Rings will enter the public domain in 9 years.
Is 50 years after the death of the creator long enough? Is 70 years like in the US and Europe more appropriate or should it be shortened to less than 50, say 25? Should Canada let a foreign corporation like Disney dictate the law?