Copyright Law in the Digital Age

Abstract

This chapter discusses the current state of copyright law with respect to works contained on different media. It traces the history and purpose of the law, while focusing on how digital technology has shaped its evolution. It describes how recent legislation and court cases have created a patchwork of law whose protection often varies depending upon the medium on which the work lies. The author questions whether some of the recent legislation has lost sight of the main purpose behind the copyright law, the promotion of learning and public knowledge.