This text discusses the importance of the public domain and the impact of copyright laws, particularly the Sonny Bono Copyright Act, on its accessibility. It highlights the upcoming entry of Mickey Mouse into the public domain and its significance. The text explores Disney’s contradictory relationship with copyright and its reliance on the public domain for inspiration while restricting access to its own creations. It delves into the complexities of copyright and trademark laws and provides clarification on the usage of elements from Mickey Mouse, both in the public domain and those protected by copyright and trademark. The text also mentions the role of Jennifer Jenkins and James Boyle in advocating for the public domain. Overall, the text emphasizes the importance of the public domain in fostering creativity and innovation.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| It all started with a mouse: A masterclass on the public domain | Public domain rights expanding | Increased availability of works in the public domain | Pushback against copyright term extensions and advocacy for the public domain |
| Delights to delectate | Unknown | Unknown | N/A |
| World’s Richest Families Got $1.5 Trillion Richer in 2023 | Wealth gap widening | Increased concentration of wealth in the hands of the few | Economic inequality and concentration of power |
| Hack your Xbox, get illegally converged | Concerns about hacking and convergence of technologies | Advances in hacking and convergence of technologies | Technological advancements and cybersecurity concerns |
| Trump’s acting Chief of Staff in 2016: Trump is a “terrible human being” | Shift in perception of Trump | Change in public perception of Donald Trump | Public disillusionment with Trump’s leadership |
| The Bleeding Edge: a terrifying, enraging look at the corrupt, deadly world of medical implants | Increased awareness of issues in the medical implant industry | Greater scrutiny and regulation of medical implants | Criticism and advocacy for safer medical implant practices |
| How cable monopolists tricked conservatives into shooting themselves in the face | Manipulation of conservatives by cable monopolies | Greater awareness and resistance to manipulation by cable monopolies | Exposure of manipulation tactics by cable monopolies |
| New Yorker on Kim Stanley Robinson: “Our Greatest Political Novelist” | Recognizing Kim Stanley Robinson’s contributions | Increased recognition and influence of Kim Stanley Robinson | Impact and relevance of Kim Stanley Robinson’s political writings |
| The Lost Cause: a solarpunk novel of hope in the climate emergency | Exploration of solarpunk genre | Increased popularity and interest in solarpunk literature | Interest in optimistic and hopeful narratives on climate change |
| The Internet Con: A nonfiction book about interoperability and Big Tech | Focus on interoperability and Big Tech | Greater emphasis on interoperability and regulation of Big Tech | Concerns about market dominance and lack of interoperability |