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Question:

Why is real property for ever and intellectual property not?

When one creates a real property, ie. builds a house on his own land, he retains the rights to it in perpetuity. When an artist creates an intellectual property, it will go out of copyright (unless renewed and there's a limit to that, I think) in a number of years.

Why is real property treated differently from intellectual property? Is there a solid reason in the law?

Shouldn't the artist retain his rights in perpetuity as well? Unless, of course, he elects to transfer them?


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Intellectual property can be copyrighted for the life of the composer plus 75 years. At least that is how it is for musical composers. And it really stinks.
It is another way for the government to get ya.
Another nice little tid bit for you. When a composer earns royalties on his music, he pays tax on what he earns. If he leaves his music rights to anyone other than a spouse or child , say a niece for instance, that person again must pay tax on the same money that was already taxed once if it is over a certain amount , plus tax on all money earned from sale of properties. The tax is about 45 to 55 %.