Egypt to Extend Copyright to... 5000 Years!

Egypt is set to pass a law which would copyright the national antiquities including the sphinx and pyramids. International use of the iconic images would be controlled, though the Egyptians say that inexact reproductions by artists would be permitted.

Obviously this is unprecedented and unwarranted. Copyright has a rightful purpose, and that is to provide incentives for production. The Pharaohs and slaves who constructed those buildings, however, are not going to build more because living Egyptians will receive royalties. If Egypt needs a way to develop revenue for the upkeep of the monuments, perhaps they pursue another business model.