Eldred v. Ashcroft

Introduction

This site collects material related to the constitutional challenge of the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act, which extended by 20 years both existing copyrights and future copyrights.

Eric Eldred is the lead plaintiff on the case (for other plaintiffs, click here), and on May 20, 2002, opening briefs were filed in the Supreme Court. Arguments will be heard in the fall (the date is not yet set), and a decision is expected next spring. Watch here for the latest news, and click on "how you can help" to join our (e) campaign.

Latest News

• May 20, 2002 - Opening brief filed in U.S. Supreme Court. Complete news of the filing here.
• May 08, 2002 - LawMeme reports on Yale Moot Court's Eldred v. Ashcroft: Eldred wins. Petitioners' winning brief, Chimene Keitner and Travis LeBlanc.
• April 14, 2002 - The ABA Board of Governors has voted not to file an amicus brief opposing our position. The Chair of the Intellectual Property Section had urged the board to support perpetual copyright.
• February 25, 2002 - This case could reinvigorate the public domain. If you intend to file an amicus brief in Eldred v. Ashcroft, please contact Jonathan Zittrain, zittrain@law.harvard.edu.
• February 19, 2002 - Supreme Court Grants Certiorari