Quote:
Originally Posted by island911
I'll say it again, copyright and patents are given to encourage new ideas. They both give a certain monopoly right, for a certain period of time, before they enter public domain.
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copyright and patents are given to encourage new ideas" is your sentiment, and no matter how many times you say it, it's still only your sentiment. However, if you choose to register a copyright or publish your sentiment, you can retain ownership of it as your unique intellectual property until 70 years after your death.
I understand your argument about the 'usefulness' of things, but if there obviously is some kind of 'usefulness' of the 'happy birthday' song in American culture, because people are singing it. Some day the copyright will expire, and you can have your way with it, with impunity.