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H.R.989 / 104th Congress

Copyright Term Extension Act of 1995

Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Feb 16, 1995

Copyright Term Extension Act of 1995 - Amends Federal copyright provisions regarding preemption of laws concerning duration of copyrights. Prohibits the annulment or limitation of rights or remedies under State laws with respect to sound recordings fixed before February 15, 1972, until February 15, 2067 (currently, 2047). Extends the duration of copyright in a work created on or after January 1, 1978, to the life of the author and 70 (currently, 50) years after the author's death. Makes the same extension with regard to joint works created on or after such date. Extends the duration of copyright in anonymous or pseudonymous works or works made for hire on or after such date to 95 (currently, 75) years from the year of the first publication, or 120 (currently, 100) years from the year of creation, whichever expires first. Makes conforming extensions with respect to provisions regarding the presumption of an author's death. Extends the duration of copyright in works created before January 1, 1978 (but not published or copyrighted), to at least December 31, 2012 (currently, 2002). Extends from December 31, 2027, to December 31, 2047, the duration of copyright in works published on or before December 31, 2012. Extends the duration of certain subsisting copyright renewals by a period of 20 years.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Moorhead, Carlos J. [R-CA-27] · R–CA

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
18 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Subcommittee Hearings Held.

  2. Field Hearings Held in Pasadena, California.

  3. Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property.

  4. Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

  5. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E379)

  6. Introduced in House

  7. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Aug 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.989 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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