US Congress gives itself the right to take works out of 'public domain'

In a six to two ruling, the Supreme Court ruled that Congress may take books, musical compositions and other works out of the public domain, where they can be freely used and adapted, and grant them copyright status again. Just because material enters the public domain, it is not “territory that works may never exit,” the Supreme Court ruled on January 18, 2012.

Therefore decades or even centuries after its creator has passed on to another realm, a piece of art or film or literature may remain copyrighted content, perhaps forever.

The top court was ruling on a petition by a group of orchestra conductors, educators, performers, publishers and film archivists who urged the justices to reverse an appellate court that ruled against the group, which has relied on artistic works in the public domain for their livelihoods.

Thanks DISNEY.
(that's sarcasm, but thank copperbadge for link)

http://publicdomain-books.blogspot.com/

Help Gary Friedrich, creator of Ghost Rider

fundraiser for Gary Friedrich, the creator of Ghost Rider, who has been successfully sued for $17,000 because he claimed he had rights to Ghost Rider and Marvel begs to differ. Marvel is no longer allowing Gary Friedrich to promote himself as the creator of Ghost Rider or sell merchandise with Ghost Rider on it as well, including drawings at cons and such, which sets a dangerous precedent for artists who promote themselves in relation to their creations or sell art of licenced characters to suppliment their income.

thanks copperbadge lj for the link.

http://www.steveniles.com/gary.html