§ Mr. Godson,in rising to move for leave to bring in a bill for better securing the property in Copyright, said that, warned by the experience of the last two or three Sessions, he did not apply his bill to an extension of the duration of Copyright, but merely intended by it to secure the Copyright which existed by having it registered in the Court of Chancery, and having any assignments of the Copyright that might be afterwards made, and sums that might be raised upon it by way of mortgage, also registered, the property being thus made more secure, authors having the advantage of their own works, and the public the benefit of knowing in whom the Copyright existed if they wished to make a new edition of it, or to introduce it in a work of greater extent or invention. Of course, although he did not propose to extend the duration of Copyright, he did not wish to interfere with any gentleman who might think such a measure desirable. In a bill of this kind, which consisted principally of details, it was not necessary for him now to do more than ask leave to bring it in, leaving the details to be discussed at a future stage.
§ Mr. Cochranehoped that the bill of the hon. Member would be proceeded with without delay. He was desirous that the 192 question of Copyright should be again debated, and if it were so, he should move, as an amendment to the present bill, that the term for the continuance of Copyright should be extended. Who could be more entitled to the consideration of the Legislature than the authors of the country.
§ Mr. Wakleytrusted that no further restraint should be placed on the literature of the day. Good authors gained their fair reward, and bad ones received as much as they deserved.
Leave given. Bill brought in and read a first time.