Eminent domain is the process by which the government seizes private property. It's why a single hold-out can't ask $1b for their trailer that's blocking a planned interstate. The state goes, "here's what we consider the fair market value. You ARE selling to us."
It is legally possible for them to do that with copyright as well. "The rights to the manifesto are worth $500k. It's in the public interest they're seen. You just sold them to us." Unlikely as anything, but technically possible.
Eminent domain is the process by which the government seizes private property. It's why a single hold-out can't ask $1b for their trailer that's blocking a planned interstate. The state goes, "here's what we consider the fair market value. You ARE selling to us."
It is legally possible for them to do that with copyright as well. "The rights to the manifesto are worth $500k. It's in the public interest they're seen. You just sold them to us." Unlikely as anything, but technically possible.