According to a short notice on the website of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty the Russian Federation Council rejected a proposal to extend the copyright term on 26 May 2004. The bill, which passed the Duma on 18 May, would extend the period that authors have the rights to their works to 70 years after their death. Currently the term is life plus 50 years.

The Chairman of the Science and Culture Committee, Viktor Shudegov (from the Unified Russia party) said that increasing the norm would lead to numerous legal battles to restore the rights of authors whose rights expired before the law came into effect. In addition, the bill contradicts certain provisions of the Code on Administrative Offences.

The refusal is remarkable, since Russia is working hard to become member of the World Trade Organisation before the end of 2004. During the recent G-8 meeting of industrialised countries, the US once more said it supported the entry of Russia, if it were willing to sign more agreements on the protection of intellectual property rights.

Upper chamber withholds rubber stamp (27.05.2004)
http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2004/05/270504.asp

Russia comes to G8 summit with WTO membership in mind (09.06.2004)
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040607013458.xqclhz5f