# Copyright extension and DMCA-like bill passed in Japan

- Author: Joichi Ito
- Date: 2003-06-15T17:29:48Z


A bill just quietly passed in Japan. It extends copyright from 50 years to 70 years. Also, under-reported, is the fact that "circumvention of copy protecton or deterrence mechanisms" is now illegal and the defendant is responsible for proving innocence. I wish this legal spill-over from the US into Japan would stop. Especially for these REALLY STUPID laws. At least I have another project to work on in Japan. ;-P

Thanks for the heads-up Gohsuke.





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Intellectual Property