2. What is copyright? It grants the copyright holder a bundle of exclusive rights to control certain uses of a “creative work”… To copy and distribute the work To publically perform the work To publically display the work To create derivative works To profit from the work … which means that if the rest of us want to use the work in these ways… We must usually ask for permission . Images courtesy of Creative Commons
4. Copyright is everywhere. music video images books It automatically applies to every tangible form of creative expression: We may not always notice the effects of copyright, but we cannot avoid them. Images courtesy of Creative Commons
5. Understanding purpose ? True or False ? The primary purpose of copyright is to give authors and artists credit for their works and to “protect” them from those who intend to steal the fruits of their labor. Answer: False Yet most people still believe this to be true.
6. The “Copyright Clause” “ To promote the progress of Science and the Useful Arts…” – Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution National Archives ( source )
7. “ Copyright has become [a] culture policy.” – Professor Lawrence Lessig (personal interview) It influences the creation of works and regulates the ways by which they can and cannot be used.
11. Copyright maintains a crucial balance between private interest public interest & in order to foster creativity .
12. However, in recent times, the balance has become By favoring the interests of copyright holders without equally considering public interest, the system is becoming increasingly restrictive. public interest private interest lopsided.
17. The Copyright Spectrum “ strong” copyright “copyleft” (“weak” copyright) complete abolition ← more restrictive more “ free ”-> Wikimedia Commons ( source ) The great question: Where should the power go
18. How less restrictive copyright can better benefit creative individuals According to an FCC report, 85% of America’s media sources are owned by five companies, also major copyright holders themselves. They are usually concerned only about big money-makers. Many artists and authors outside the profitable mainstream are neglected. However , if the distribution system made more open… In short, creative individuals receive greater public exposure.
19. The Bottom Line The general problem is that the copyright system currently undermines its own goal. The role of copyright law has become less about supporting creativity and more about protecting commercial interests. When this happens, society will ultimately lose what should be a gain.
