Copyright Law

The topic of copyright has been of concern lately, and for good reason. As technology evolves, copyright can quickly become outdated. From time to time, the world needs to reevaluate copyright. The last time revisions were made was in 1976. It is critical to protect copyright as copyright ensures innovation.

In a June 2013 article in the Huffington Post, Chris Dodd, former United States Senator and current Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America, discusses the need of copyright law reform. To demonstrate the significance of copyright, Dodd sites the following data from the Department of Commerce: in 2010 “the U.S. copyright system stands as a cornerstone of a vibrant creative economy that is unparalleled in the world -- adding $631 billion and over 7.5 million direct and indirect jobs to the U.S. economy…”

The real point of Mr. Dodd’s article addresses five “fundamental tenets” that should be included in discussing any changes to copyright. Dodd states that copyright needs to continue to allow for “creativity and innovation” and include a mechanism for distribution that gives the originators the opportunity for compensation for their efforts. He also said, “copyright must benefit consumers by promoting free markets and competition.” Dodd asserts that this “incentivizes creators to take risks.” Dodd stresses that copyright needs to ensure that the Internet allows creators to post content without having their copyrights violated.  This will enable copyright to continue to stimulate creativity while also encouraging new technologies “that have emerged with the growth of the Internet.”

Dodd states that copyright must offer “modern protections” to creators. Essentially, Dodd believes that copyright law needs to be flexible to adjust to evolving technologies, safeguarding against laws becoming obsolete too quickly.

The principal takeaway is “any revised copyright act must include provisions that ensure the effective protections of creators' rights.” Mr. Dodd’s tenets set the ground rules for a fair discussion on new copyright reform.