The evolution of copyright law is tightly bound up with the evolution of the technological means of recording expression. From photography to recorded sound to the internet, new technological changes have introduced new problems for copyright. Indeed, the development of the printing press is largely responsible for the creation of copyright law in the first place and correspondingly for our notion of a property right in works of authorship. This seminar will explore the history of the interaction of copyright law and technical and cultural change. Readings will include some historical materials, a good deal of legislative history, and of course, a number of cases that have proved central to copyright's evolution. Technologies to be examined in relation to copyright law will include the printing press, photography, recorded sound, radio, cable television, computer software, and computer communications such as the internet. Prerequisite: 448 Intellectual Property or 465 Copyright Law.
Satisfies the writing requirement. |
