Looking to make a difference out of law school?
This woman did: Barbara A. Ringer, who joined the Copyright Office at the Library of Congress straight out of Columbia Law School, and 21 years later oversaw the passage of the revolutionary Copyright Act of 1976. At the time Ms. Ringer joined the Copyright Office, the 1909 law in place provided for 28 years of copyright from date of publication, after which works could pass into the public domain; the ’76 Act extended the term to life of the creator plus 50 years, and also created the statutory fair use exception. While some may disagree about the merits of copyright term extension, Ms. Ringer’s objective was always to protect the rights of authors and content creators.
Ms. Ringer also won a gender discrimination suit to become the first woman Register of Copyrights in 1973. She died on April 9th.
April 27, 2009 2:16 pm 3 Comments
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By Dannez, May 6, 2009 @ 4:10 pm
What is the case number for Barbara A. Riger vs. Library of Congress?
Please email me the case number. The case number that I have is US 355F. Supp. Pg. 749, dated 1973?
By Solicitors Wakefield, June 15, 2009 @ 11:10 am
Interesting blog. Thanks for the information.
By Adirec Torytski, July 4, 2009 @ 9:01 am
What an amazing legacy to have accomplished so much and that benefits so many people. Ms. Ringer must have been one heck of a go getter and not willing to be pushed by anyone. In fact it seems she perhaps did all the pushing herself.
No doubt there are many published individuals out there who have benefited from her work with the copyright and the fact that their rights are further protected. May she rest in peace.
Rgds
Adirec