Number: RS21179
Title: Copyright Term Extension: Eldred v. Ashcroft
Authors: Robin Jeweler, American Law Division 
Abstract: This report examines the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in Eldred v. Ashcroft. Plaintiffs/Petitioners challenged the constitutionality under the Copyright Clause of a law adding 20 years to the terms of existing and future copyrights. The law was upheld by both the U.S. district court and the court of appeals considering it. Among the questions before the Supreme Court was whether Congress may retrospectively extend the term of copyright for existing copyrights; and, what role and impact, if any, does the First Amendment have in determining the validity of a congressional extension of copyright terms.
Pages: 5
Date: February 14, 2003