I think it sells to them as the "Guardians of Civilization and Culture" fantasy. They have that "moral rights of the artist" legal mindset which extends beyond a purely econonic perspective. At least the American brand of the IP fiasco is mostly anchored in economic hoarding stupidity.

Considering how Europe celebrates the various mid-millenium artists that grew up to become Ninja Turtles, you'd think they'd recognize that culture ticked along just fine before the Statute of Anne.