What is copyright?
A system developed to protect the intellectual property rights, patents and trademarks of individuals or corporations. Including the rights to distribute, copy and adapt the original work.
The length of time it lasts varies, but is usually between 50 and 70 years. (Books in the UK are 70 years, whereas in the USA can be as long as 95 years).
Applies to large medium: books, music, film, television, photographs, art etc.
The Statute of Anne, could be perceived as the first form of copyright. However, the main difference was the amount of time given for copyrighting material: a 21 year maximum. This has vastly changed: in 1998 an extension was granted in the US to give 95 years of protection.
Free Culture
A book written by Lessig in 2004.
Heavily criticizes the copyright laws of today, claiming them to hold back creativity, and be more focused on profits.
Lessig believes a more permissive form of copyright would harness creativity, allowing others to remix and reuse content to create better things.
Creative Commons
Founded by Laruence lessig in 2001.
A non-profit organization, rethinking the way copyright is used.
Bringing the ability to share work, and decide what aspects are allowed to be remixed/copied. For example, an artist can submit a piece of work, and choose whether it be used for commercial purposes or not. These licenses allow creators to claim intellectual property, indicating which rights they reserve, and which they waive (so can be used by others).
Creative Commons re-imagines the traditional copyright format, and encourages the recycling, and remixing of other work.
I find it interesting that the CC website has the licenses drawn up in “normal” and “legal jargon” type laguage.
