Copyright Social Conflict Article Index for
Copyright 		Website Links For
Copyright 		 

Information About

Copyright Social Conflict
APPAREL
BABY
BEAUTY
BOOKS
CAR TOYS
CELL PHONES
DVD'S
ELECTRONICS
GOURMET FOOD
GROCERIES
HEALTH & PERSONAL
HOME & GARDEN
JEWELRY
MUSIC
MUSIC INSTRUMENTS
OFFICE PRODUCTS
SOFTWARE
SPORTING GOODS
TOOLS & HARDWARE
TOYS
VIDEO GAMES
SHOPPING HOME
MORE SHOPPING...



Diverse individuals and organizations are involved in this conflict. Those for reducing copyright restrictions include Infoanarchists , Anticopyright groups, and organizations such as Creative Commons and the Electronic Frontier Foundation . Those for maintaining or expanding the scope of copyright include organizations like the RIAA and MPAA , which have been strong supporters of laws such as the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and technical measures such as DRM .


COMMON ARGUMENTS AGAINST COPYRIGHT


  • Historically, copyright originated only in the last few centuries. Creativity flourished well before copyright existed.


  • While some are in favor of limited copyright terms, copyrights in many countries last for periods longer than a human lifetime. It is argued that even if a limited copyright period would be beneficial, these long copyright terms hold content back far longer than necessary.


  • Many argue that copyright is inherently contrary to the ideals of Free Speech and Expression which are valued highly by free societies.


  • Copyright was intended as, and until recently has been used mostly for, a regulation on commercial and for-profit use of creative works. While technically most copyright laws applied to individuals making copies, it was only the advent of the Personal Computer that made it possible for individuals to copy significant amounts of information. Many argue that this new ability calls for a fundamental change to, or the Abolition of, copyright.


  • Information is not conducive to the same treatment as real property, due to its status as a Nonrival Good .


  • Some companies abuse copyright privileges by suing or threatening to sue those who clearly are within their rights under Fair Use , but who cannot afford to defend themselves in court.


  • Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology is often harmful to consumers by restricting what may be done with legally-purchased content.


  • Frequently, content creators do not hold their own copyrights, instead relinquishing them to Publisher s, producers, and the like, through Contract ual arrangements.



COMMON ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF COPYRIGHT


  • Copyright may be increasing artistic output by providing a monetary incentive.


  • This monetary incentive may happen to be the only way to fund projects that require a significant amount of capital.


  • A creator may have "moral right" to decide what may be done with it.



  • Many who break copyright law are not doing so to create but simply to view or use copyrighted work.