In a closely watched case in Nanterre, France, just outside Paris, a court ruled that Maurice Ravel was the sole author of “Bolero,” rejecting claims of co-authorship by Russian set designer Alexandre Benois. The fact that Benois worked on the 1928 premiere of the work is undisputed, however his claim of co-authorship would have placed “Bolero” under copyright until 2039. In ruling against Benois and deciding Ravel is the sole author, the work remains in the public domain worldwide.
Why it matters:
- Public accessibility: Keeping “Bolero” in the public domain allows continued broad access and use of the piece, supporting its enduring presence and influence in cultural and musical contexts.
- Copyright balancing act: Copyright laws ensure creators and intellectual property owners are compensated for their work. These laws are not intended to place works behind paywalls forever, however, and policymakers — and sometimes courts — must strike a careful balance between protecting copyright owners versus the public interest.
