In a judgment dated 16 January 2003, the US Supreme court upheld a Congress decision extending copyright protection for another 20 years.

Following right holders' heavy lobbying actions, the US Congress has on several occasions taken the opportunity to increase copyright protection. Its last decision dated 1998 was challenged in front of the US Supreme Court, which finally upheld the extension of copyright protection. The protection period now runs for 70 years after the death of the creator. Works owned by corporations enjoy a 95-years protection period.