The original term of copyright in the United States was 14 years, renewable for an additional 14-year term. Upon the expiration of the second term (or first if copyright were not renewed), the work lapsed automatically into the public domain.
I think the original term of copyright was seven years. Of course, we're talking about the days of Queen Anne back in jolly old England, but you get the picture.
These sort of issues actually impacted my own family a few years ago. My first cousin, who has been in various bands throughout his adult life, headed up a band called The Olympic Hopefuls. He received a cease-and-desist letter from the USOC and was forced to change his band's name to The Hopefuls.
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Re: Expanded fair use after 28 years (as Rourke Decker)
Re: Expanded fair use after 28 years (as Rourke Decker)
(untitled comment) (as Rourke)