Re: GPLed Software Expiration Date

[Richard Tobin]

In article <YMudna2vRrRuePLanZ2dnUVZ_vShnZ2d@insightbb.com>,
rjack  <danw6144@insightbb.com> wrote:

>> In article <mailman.5267.1198165782.18990.gnu-misc-discuss@gnu.org>,
>> Koh Choon Lin <pppd88@gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>>> I would like to find out how long would a software be under the GNU
>>> GPL before it expires and transfers to the public domain. Forever?

>> The GPL gives you the right to copy something that copyright law would
>> otherwise restrict you from.  So the issue is how long copyright lasts
>> in your country.

>Assuming the GPL is an enforceable contract -- it isn't -- the 
>permissions would last for thirty five years, which is the maximum 
>duration of an "irrevocable" copyright license. See 17 USC § 203(a)(3)).

Supposing your interpretation of your country's law is correct, what
is the relevance of that limit to the original question, which is not
about when the permissions end, but about when the software becomes
"public domain"?

-- Richard
-- 
:wq