The Internet, Copyright Protection and Infringement

The Internet has introduced a wealth of information into our everyday lives. Both the obtaining and distribution of information has become simple enough for even the novice user. This collection of linked sources has created in many eyes a large public arena for information. It is because of this view, we are now faced with some significant hurdles. The sheer size of the internet makes it very difficult to manage, and because the information originated from so many sources privacy and protection of information and ideas is one of the most difficult problems to solve. Something had to be done to secure personal property on the net and stop the theft and hijacking of this material.

What is Copyright Protection?

Copyright protection laws were introduced in 1976 to protect the works of an individual. The idea was that once the author had completed a piece of work in fixed form, ownership was solely that of the creator. No other person but the original author can claim copyright. There are several broad categories of work that can be copyright protected:

literary works;

1. musical works, including any accompanying words
2. dramatic works, including any accompanying music
3. pantomimes and choreographic works
4. pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
5. motion pictures and other audiovisual works
6. sound recordings
7. architectural works

(http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.html#wci)

These categories are general and should be considered on an individual basis. All works completed for an employer transfer immediate ownership to the employer. Works are copyrighted immediately upon completion and do not require and official registration.

Ethics and Copyright Infringement

More than likely each reader has already become with a victim of copyright infringement or participated in such an act in the past. This happens both knowingly and unknowingly. Sometimes it is as simple as right clicking a picture on a website to copy it, while other times people may find themselves sharing stolen media or copying entire written works. The software/music/movie piracy network has become enormous. As we write our school papers, are we not tempted to pass of others' work as our own?

So if it is illegal, why do some many people do it? College students, who are among the largest party of copyright infringers, often claim economics over ethics (Gibes 2006). Most are aware that what they are doing is wrong but the money saved simply outweighs the ethical implication of stealing copyrighted material. "Yet despite that awareness, many college students are continuing to engage in behavior that they themselves acknowledge as wrong", Gibes quotes a Richmond professor. But it runs much deeper than that. There is an added feeling of security when practicing infringement as few get caught. To date more than 20,000-25,000 law suits have been filed for music distribution with relation to copyright infringement alone (Beckerman, 2007). Hundreds of new cases surface each month with little reprimand for the accused.

With new forms of media sharing popping up each day over the internet, there becomes a fine line as to what an individual should do. One of the latest trends is video sharing networks. Networks like youtube face copyrighted material problems every day. With these mass amounts of media so easily obtained, it is difficult to imagine it's wrong to download or share with friends. Media sharing networks have generated much ethical confusion amongst the general population. Why is this all so readily available if it is so illegal?

Solutions and the Future

Copyright infringement is a big problem; in fact it is a billion dollar problem. The software industry alone loses billions of dollars to pirates (answers.com). In the toy industry knock-offs (illegal copies) can account for 200-300 billion in losses to original creators (Auerbach, 2006). It is a problem with millions of offenders and potential law breakers. It is a problem that has spread to the international realm. It is because it is so widespread that the task of cracking down on it seems monumental. Some may even view it as impossible. But the fact remains, steps can be taken to help minimize the problem.

Awareness does not seem to the issue. In fact awareness may be aiding in spreading the epidemic. One of the largest targets for eliminating copyright infringement is that of the college campus (Hendricks 2006). It is in this arena that concentrated unauthorized file sharing has occurred. By targeting arenas like this and going after significant offenders, perhaps authorities can begin to get a handle on the situation. In order for this to be effective however, offenders must be prosecuted.

Prosecution and conviction of these crimes remains one of the key stepping stones to minimizing the effects of copyright infringement. It is this that provides the most difficult challenge. Obtaining enough evidence to convict a person of copyright infringement is no simple task. Add to the fact that many of these cases touch international bounds and it can get very confusing. Laws differ everywhere and trying to set up a concrete system for discipline remains a problem. Getting a grasp on convictions will help dramatically in deterring future infringements.

Ultimately, copyright infringement is not disappearing overnight and probably will never truly cease, but it can be helped. Focusing on concentrated arenas and working with lawmakers both foreign and domestic can help shape a safer future. Providing more avenues for prosecution may make for a more effective deterrent. In the end, the problem must be recognized as a more urgent priority to spur the needed action.

Conclusion

Copyright protection is an important aspect of this new IT world that is losing effectiveness each day. It represents security to those putting for the effort to create their own work. Rampant infringement has produced ethical concerns regarding this topic. Most are aware it is wrong, but still view the reward worth the risk. Focus must be shifted on not only discovering violators but prosecuting them as well. Only then may we see this problem begin to diminish.

References

Auerbach, S. 2006. Changing Values. Playthings. Retrieved March 11, 2007 from EBSCOhost database.

Beckerman, R. 2007. Is 'Making Available' Copyright Infringement? Retrieved March 10, 2007 from http://www.hollywoodreporteresq.com/thresq/spotlight/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003535810

Gibes, Al. 2006. Illegal downloads a matter of economics over ethics, surveyed students say. Las Vegas Review Journal (Nevada). Retrieved March 11, 2007 from LexisNexis database.

Hendricks, D. 2006. Notices of illegal downloads rising at Ohio U. The Post via U-WIRE. Retrieved March 08, 2007 from LexisNexis database.

Schumann & Toreador. 2006. Copyright infringement draws mixed reactions at Texas Tech. Daily Toreador via U-WIRE. Retrieved March 11, 2007 from LexisNexis database.