Following Egypt’s decision to copyright the pyramids, Italy has decided to collect royalties for usage of the Latin alphabet.
OK, so its a joke, but quite a good one. See:
http://www.thespoof.com/news/spoof.cfm?headline=s3i28164
Under the current 70 year rule, without growing up, Peter Pan enters the public domain and the play can be staged and films made, without paying copyright. That is, outside of the UK, where Lord Callaghan pushed through an amendment to the copyright act, to keep Peter Pan protected in pertuity. The so-called Peter Pan amendment was passed to allow the specialist children’s hospital in Great Ormonde Street to continue benefitting from the Peter Pan bequest. No doubt a worthy cause. Nevertheless, specific rules for specific cases -lex specialis – make bad Law. I would prefer to see performances of Peter Pan having tickets sold at two prices, a basic price and an increased price including a voluntary donation to the charity.
The result of a pantomime tax is I that in addition to requiring ticket sales to provide an income to actors, stage managers etc., additional money is required to pay royalties. In consequence, less patents can afford to take their children.
Why not have pantomime casts doing full dress rehearsals in children’s wards at hospitals everywhere? Why not save front seats for orphanages?
I have regularly performed at hospitals and hospices, for the ill, the physically and mentally handicapped. Sometimes it is difficult, and I find performing for CP particularly hard as the lack of reaction throws my timing. Then again, it is particularly rewarding.
Peter Wishart MP, former keyboard player with Runrig, a Scotish Rock Band has an opinion piece in the Sunday Herald against the discrimination against singers whose copyright terminates 50 years after somgs are performed, whereas the lyrics and words are copyright for up to 70 years from writer’s death. See http://www.sundayherald.com/oped/opinion/display.var.1932866.0.0.phpI
I sympathise only slightly with Cliff Richards and the remaining Beatles, and think the fairest solution is a 50 year rule for everyone.
Meanwhile, in Malaysia, the word Allah is considered copyright and fobidden for use by mere infidels. Funny really, the word predates Mohamet by centuries.
I listened to a Queen single Mustafa Imrahim (not sure what the real name of the song is), but although I can appreciate in being offensive to some, the electric guitar playing was a pleasure.
