I see this sentiment frequently, but I think it is missing some of the crucial details:
- patents last for 20 years in the us
- trademarks do not have value to the rest of the world. Eg, the name “Kleenex” is (was?) a granted trademark, to help customers identify products from that specific company. “Kleenex” has somewhat become generic, but I don’t think this is really better or worse for humanity in general — it just removes some branding strength from Kleenex.
- copyright lasts life of author +70 years. This is problematic imo.
I think the concern about copyright is justified, but I think the others are honestly pretty decent. But of course different people will have different opinions.
- patents last for 20 years in the us
- trademarks do not have value to the rest of the world. Eg, the name “Kleenex” is (was?) a granted trademark, to help customers identify products from that specific company. “Kleenex” has somewhat become generic, but I don’t think this is really better or worse for humanity in general — it just removes some branding strength from Kleenex.
- copyright lasts life of author +70 years. This is problematic imo.
I think the concern about copyright is justified, but I think the others are honestly pretty decent. But of course different people will have different opinions.