Copyright law has got to give up its obsession with 'the…
“Copyright law has got to give up its obsession with 'the copy.' The law should not regulate 'copies' or 'modern reproductions' on their own. It should instead regulate uses--like public distributions of copies of copyrighted work--that connect directly to the economic incentive copyright law was intended to foster.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Copyright should focus on regulating uses that affect economic incentives, not the mere existence of copies.
In simple terms: Law should regulate use, not copies.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize use‑based regulation.
Themes
intellectual property
economics
law
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
legal
policy
When to use this quote
- digital publishing
- software licensing
Key Concepts
incentive
public domain
Questions to Reflect On
- How can law protect creators while fostering innovation?
- What uses deserve regulation?
A Different Perspective
Balancing creator rights and public access is complex.