IP should not expire as long as the intellectual product is not publicised, i.e. while it is in the head of whom produced it.  But if it is publicised, i.e. <i>published</i>, it is <i>public</i>, and no longer property.  If I had a house, that&#x27;s physical property.  If I and my family live in it, it&#x27;s our property.  If I let the public in, i.e. <i>publicised</i> it, then it is <i>public</i>, and essentially not property anymore.