Description
Book SynopsisThe rapid emergence of digital media has created both new economic opportunities and new risks for authors, publishers, and users in regards to intellectual property. There is a theoretical conflict raging between those who believe information should be free and those attempting to protect intellectual property through surveillance and control of access. The Intellectual Commons works to develop a theory of intellectual property that is based on a theory of natural rights that assumes the existence of a natural world of intellectual resources. Chett Mitchell develops a moral framework that makes cooperation among the groups involved rather than conflict central to understanding intellectual property rights. Drawing on early modern theorists such as Grotius, Pufendorf, and Locke as well as the intellectual theory of copyright put forth by L. Ray Patterson, Mark Rose, and Michel Foucault, Intellectual Commons presents a way to bring IP theory and practice together. This book is an important addition to the intellectual property debate and a must for law students, communication theorists, and any person interested in the future of digital media rights.
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Introduction Chapter 3 Authors and Commons: Two Visions of Intellectual Property Rights Chapter 4 An Overview of Intellectual Property Chapter 5 Two Moments in the History of Copyright Chapter 6 The Natural History of Intellectual Property Chapter 7 Commons: The Third Form of Property Chapter 8 The Intellectual Commons Chapter 9 The Commons in History Chapter 10 Social Utility and the Rise of the Imperial Author Chapter 11 The Author Metaphor Chapter 12 Ethical Issues of Patent Law: Equity and the Intellectual Commons Chapter 13 Conclusions and Critique Chapter 14 Appendix A - Economics: Some Definitions Chapter 15 Appendix B - Property, Ownership, and Rights: A Framework Chapter 16 Appendix C - The Statute of Anne
