I'm not sure what you mean with "culturally significant public adoption".
Whatever the definition, I'd probably argue that the movie The Matrix succeeded, even though it's still under copyright. That is: long copyright need not preclude that.
More to the point, I also don't mind long copyrights per se. if an individual produced a work that ensures a steady income for the rest of their life, I prefer that individual enjoying those benefits over having a free-for-all. Eg, in my opinion, a one-hit-wonder from the 80s should still profit from their one hit if that hit still generated profits.
That applies to individuals/small groups though, not for media companies. That is, I don't want the folks responsible for works that are still in our hearts and minds decades later to miss out; don't care much for businesses after initial run.
Whatever the definition, I'd probably argue that the movie The Matrix succeeded, even though it's still under copyright. That is: long copyright need not preclude that.
More to the point, I also don't mind long copyrights per se. if an individual produced a work that ensures a steady income for the rest of their life, I prefer that individual enjoying those benefits over having a free-for-all. Eg, in my opinion, a one-hit-wonder from the 80s should still profit from their one hit if that hit still generated profits.
That applies to individuals/small groups though, not for media companies. That is, I don't want the folks responsible for works that are still in our hearts and minds decades later to miss out; don't care much for businesses after initial run.