In general, how long can “a period of time” be? The Clear It Up discusses patent and copyright protection

timeframes for some works you might know.

CLEAR IT UP

How long is Mickey Mouse protected from being copied?
All patents and copyrights are scheduled to end someday. In 2003, copyright protection for Mickey Mouse was

scheduled to run out. Once the copyright had expired, anyone would be able to copy Mickey Mouse cartoons or draw

and sell new ones. In 1998, however, Congress passed the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act. For

copyrights owned by companies or other entities, it increased or extended the copyright from 75 years to 95 years
314 13 • Positive Externalities and Public Goods

after publication. For copyrights owned by individuals, it increased or extended the copyright coverage from 50

years to 70 years after death. Along with protecting Mickey for another 20 years, the copyright extension affected

about 400,000 books, movies, and songs.
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