The Copywrights

In Moral Panics and the Copyright Wars, William Patry offers a lively, unflinching examination of the pitched battles over new technology, business models, and most of all, consumers. He lays bare how we got to where we are: a bloated, punitive legal regime that has strayed far from its modest, but important roots. A centrist and believer in appropriately balanced copyright laws, Patry concludes that the only laws we need are effective laws, laws that further the purpose of encouraging the creation of new works and learning.

In this text, the author tracks the history of American copyright law through the 20th century, from Mark Twain's exhortations for 'thick' copyright protection, to recent lawsuits regarding sampling in rap music and the 'digital moment', exemplified by the rise of Napster and MP3 technology.

"Tells the story of how the clashes between authors, publishers, and literary "pirates" influenced both American copyright law and literature itself."--Dust jacket flap

The 8th volume of national studies on the economic contribution of the copyright- based industries offers economic analysis on the size of the copyright industries in Argentina, Indonesia, Member States of the Organization of the East Caribbean States, Serbia and Turkey. The publication reviews the contribution of economic activities based on copyright and related rights to the creation of national value added, employment and trade in selected countries and broadens the scope of WIPO-led research on the economic aspects of copyright.