Original sentence: Nevertheless, as fair use in copyrighted works was originally recognized by the judiciary long before being codified in statute law, it's possible that the courts might likewise find a similar defense applies to mask work.This contrasts with a term of 95 years for modern copyrighted works with a corporate authorship; alleged infringement of mask work rights are also not protected by a statutory fair use defense, nor by the typical backup copy exemptions that 17 USC § 117 provides for computer software
Edited sentence: Contrast this with the effectively perpetual terms for modern copyrighted works and the fact that mask works are not subject to any statutory fair use defense, nor the typical backup copy exemptions that 17 USC § 117 provides for computer software.Nevertheless, as fair use in copyrighted works was originally recognized by the judiciary long before being codified in statute, it may one day be recognized in mask work protection as well