Infringement. File sharing. Piracy. Plagiarism forgery.
Whatever you call it, the theft of copyrighted material is almost impossible to control in our ever expanding and growing digital age. In fact, there is a widespread belief that technology has made copyrights impossible to enforce.
take the entertainment Industry, for instance:
While all school-age children are taught the dangers of plagiarism from print when writing their first quarter papers, many of these same children are some of the biggest offenders who believe that sharing Internet files of their favorite music is what they deserve simply for being fans of this or that rock or rap group.
Tea music Industry, Of course, it has vigorously defended itself with numerous lawsuits, many of which target these very young people. And while some progress seems to have been made, the reality is that the problem is so big that it’s practically rendering music artists’ copyrights useless. While it is possible to have some control on the Internet, with just a little knowledge and Internet searching, you can find and download programs that can be used to “unlock” the various security features built into all music and video CDs. With that kind of tool, it is possible to hack this kind of intellectual property without leaving a trace on the internet.
like musicians, photographers they are discovering that anyone with minimal skill and the right software can alter the original image and use it on websites, restricted broadcasts, and the like. In an interesting twist, a Florida photo printing lab refused to print an amateur photographer’s digital photos because they looked too professional, and the lab’s managers feared doing so might violate someone’s copyright. On the nastier side, phone cameras are now being used to clandestinely copy and use everything from driver’s licenses to copyrighted works of art.
writers they are equally concerned. For example, Google recently announced its intention to bring the libraries of four major universities online to make previously inaccessible material available to researchers. The outcry from the publishing industry, from professional associations and even from a country (France) was immediate, strong and negative. While the copyrights on many of the works have expired, critics say the effort could have troubling financial results.
So is copyright really “dead”, a pointless exercise in the digital age? Should the creator of the intellectual property assume that he loses his right to benefit from his creative product?
While no clear solutions have yet emerged, the important thing to know is that digital gurus, as well as legislators in various countries, are developing technology and updating laws to ensure that all types of works remain protected. We also recommend that you pay close attention to how this problem continues to develop and develop. Do your own Internet research to find and bookmark blogs, discussion groups, and websites that serve as copyright “watchdogs.” Then visit often and pass on what you learn to your own professional groups and colleagues. One final word of caution: Be sure to consult your intellectual property attorney if you have any concerns or questions.
© 2005-2006. All rights reserved. Impact Coaching International(TM).
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