"As promised when I first brought Repeal International Patent Agreement to the floor, I've drafted a repeal for the next intellectual property resolution. I'm about to head into surgery for a formerly patented artificial liver, so I'm not going to be able to debate the bill, but Asgeir will be. He's assured me he'll do an adequate job replacing me."
Amb. Trelstad walked towards the podium. "I lost a bet, so not only will I be the one representing the Associated Communities, but I'm also obligated to act like Janus." From his jacket, he pulls out a fake beard, which he puts on, and a flask which he opens. The Ambassador clears his throat. "Relax," he says in an imitation growl, " 'tis just water. Anyhoo, here's our new proposal."
Repeal "Foreign Copyright Recognition"
Category: Repeal || Resolution: GAR #232 || Proposed by: Heidgaudr
The General Assembly,
Believing that freedom of artistic expression is a cornerstone of a healthy society;
Recognizing the need for artists to receive due compensation for their work; however,
Contending that GA#232 "Foreign Copyright Recognition" works contrary to these fundamental beliefs;
Aggrieved that member nations are permitted to institute policies that are destructive to both artists and member nations alike;
Finds the following:
- Article 3's minimum length requirement and lack of any maximum length requirement leads to nonsensical outcomes. For the former, domestic copyright may lapse long before the foreign copyright has. In the latter, a work can remain copyrighted long after the artist and their immediate family are deceased. In either extreme, members are disadvantaged with no justification for doing so.
- Article 3 is furthermore troublesome as a nation may change its copyright laws for the express purpose of economically damaging other member nations. Such a form of economic warfare is antithetical to the World Assembly's mission and as such should not be tolerated.
- Article 4's limitations and exceptions to copyright when doing so "are clearly in the public interest" are incredibly vague, creating a chilling effect wherein people who might be entitled to use the work under these exceptions refrain from doing so out of fear of litigation.
For these reasons, hereby repeals GA#232 "Foreign Copyright Recognition".