IP rights were always intended to expire. If you look up original copyright and patent laws you will see the words "for limited Times" very quite prominently. Originally the idea was you create something, you control it for awhile, then it becomes a cultural asset that belongs to everyone. The law was changed to keep extending the period these pieces of our culture "belong to them" instead of belonging to all of us.

Reading your question I worry how many people assume their cultural icons should rightfully be controlled by corporations instead of belonging to everyone who grew up with them.