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Study: Fair Use Drives Large Part of US Economy

Posted by timothy on from the all-depends-who's-counting-and-how dept.

angry tapir writes "Industries that rely on fair use exceptions to U.S. copyright law have weathered the recent slow economy better than other businesses, according to a new study released by a tech trade group. The fair use industries, including consumer device makers, software developers, search engines and news organizations, had US$4.5 trillion in revenue in 2009, up from $3.4 trillion in 2002, according to the study, commissioned by the Computer and Communications Industry (CCIA) Association. Fair use businesses make up about 17 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product, according to the study. The study shows the importance of fair use exceptions in copyright law, said Ed Black, CCIA's president and CEO."

3 of 70 comments (clear)

  1. Low estimate by tiltowait · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I'm a librarian. My entire profession would not exist if not for similar provisions.

    1. Re:Low estimate by Sloppy · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Existence of professions isn't necessarily a good thing. Not to knock your profession (it applies equally to mine or anyone else's) but if anything could come along and provide the same value while eliminating the profession of librarian (or computer programmer) (or hand wheat thresher) (or stableboy or street-dung shoveler) that would be a net gain to the economy.

      This is one of the terrible problems with dealing with government-minded people and their "jobs, jobs, jobs" slogans. They think of economic value as happening (and only happening) when taxable transactions take place. If cheap cold fusion or teleporters come along, that's economic damage, in their eyes. If a hurricane comes along and creates construction jobs, that's an economic boon to them.

      They pretty much say this crap all the time now in the United States, and they say it in public and don't even get ridiculed for it. People nod their heads and cheer. It's crazy.

      --
      As copyright owner of this comment, I authorize everyone to defeat any technological measure which limits access to it.
  2. Re:yes, but by VortexCortex · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The fashion industry has no copyright protections, just Trademarks...

    I suppose next you'll tell me that new clothing lines will never be created, and the fashion industry is doomed.