how about this: copyright is a moral right pertaining to the creator (or group of creators). it cannot be transferred. it cannot be sold to a corporation. it cannot be inherited. it lasts 14 years without fee, and you can renew it up to 2 times for a fee (as was the tradition before, if i am not mistaken).

my assumption is (roughly) that if copyright is intended to encourage and support creative output, then only the actual creators should be the beneficiaries of it.

(i don't know if i really think this would be the best -- or even a good -- system, in a way i'm trying it on for size and want to hear what others think.)