IMSLP Forums

He's been dead for 72 years, shouldn't he be public domain?

He is in both Canada and the E.U., but anything published after 1923 (most likely) not so in the U.S.

Even after 70 years, it's still under copyright if it was published after 1923?

Yes. The copyright term for items published after 1923 is 95 years, so the next works to enter the public domain in the US will be those first published in 1923 on 1 Jan., 2019.

Daphnis,

I note with interest what you say about the copyright position of Respighi in the US in connection with works published after 1923, and I am wondering if this is the reason that the piano transcription of Pines of Rome is blocked.

If this is the case, then, from what I understand you to say, the copyright no longer is in force in the EU, which is where I live. Is it fair to say then, that the blocking of the score is purely because of the US regulation?

If this is the case, it seems a great pity that we in Europe are being penalised. Is there any way around this, I wonder, or is the case for access within the EU already lost?

Information on this would be most welcome. Thanks.

the copyright no longer is in force in the EU

Correct.

blocking of the score is purely because of the US regulation?

Correct.

If this is the case, it seems a great pity that we in Europe are being penalised.

I agree. This decision was not mine to make.

If this is the case, it seems a great pity that we in Europe are being penalised. Is there any way around this, I wonder, or is the case for access within the EU already lost?

We have Universal Edition to blame for this. We are working on a US server (eventually) and a legal framework, but until then IMSLP will have to run under US 'control'. The other option is IMSLP completely closing until the framework is complete (or face legal threats than IMSLP can not afford to combat).

I am very much obliged for this information, although it is also disappointing.

I thank you all for your kind attention to my queries.

Xotan wrote: If this is the case, it seems a great pity that we in Europe are being penalised.

Much as it is a pity that those in the US are penalized by not being able to obtain pre-1923 works just because the composer had the temerity to die less than 70 years ago.

jfarrington wrote:Much as it is a pity that those in the US are penalized by not being able to obtain pre-1923 works just because the composer had the temerity to die less than 70 years ago.

Let’s not forget the evil copyright colonialism that has the USA pushing “life+70” terms on everyone in the name of “Free Trade”...

God bless Canada.

Regards, Philip