© Copyright Infringement Alison Vellas Xoe Fiss Mitsuko Verdery Arya Tabatabai Carter Warren
© Introduction What is copyright infringement? Copyright infringement occurs when a copyrighted work is reproduced, distributed, performed, publicly displayed, or made into a derivative work without the permission of the copyright owner.
© Introduction For example… Graphic artist Shepard Fairey was sued by the Associated Press for using one of their photos as a reference of Barack Obama. Remix artist Gregg Gillis uses hundreds of copyrighted songs in his music without permission from the copyright holders.
© Origins of Copyright Law Originated with the printing press 1710 Statute of Anne Protected works for 14+years Limited copyright to create a public domain Continually broadening the length of copyright and scope of categories
© Background Information How copyright works today Only author/those working for author can claim a copyright Not protected Objects that are not tangible Titles/names/etc. Ideas/procedures/methods/etc. Information that is common property and doesn’t have an original author Copyright created automatically “created” means when it is documented and recorded
© Benefits People can’t use/abuse one’s work without the author’s consent One can sell a copyright to an organization for profit People have ability to take legal action if work is exploited
© Criticisms Lawrence Lessig - free culture Works in the public domain are restricted/fewer Big corporations don’t allow individuals to remix work Limits creative expression
© Opinion Copyright infringement laws should be used fairly to protect the artist. Artist’s dilemma: Want free use to remix and incorporate works in the public domain Want our works to be protected
© Works Cited " Copyright Timeline: A History of Copyright in the United States". Association of Research Libraries. September "Benefits of Copyright Protection". Lawdit Solicitors. September "Copyright". United States Copyright Office. September