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Fair Use Threatens Innovation, Copyright Holders Warn (torrentfreak.com)

Posted by msmash on from the defining-innovation dept.

An anonymous reader shares a TorrentFreak report: Various music and movie industry groups have warned that fair use exceptions are a threat. The groups were responding to proposals put forward in Australia by the Government's Productivity Commission. They claim that content creators will be severely disadvantaged if fair use is introduced Down Under . Several rightsholder groups argue that strong copyright protections are essential for the survival of their businesses. This includes a long copyright term of 70 years, as well as the ability to block access to content based on the location of a consumer. In addition, many believe that fair use exceptions will do more harm than good. For example, music group IFPI warns that fair use will threaten innovation and create legal uncertainty. "Licensing, not exceptions to copyright, drives innovation. Innovation is best achieved through licensing agreements between content owners and users, including technological innovators," IFPI writes.

2 of 148 comments (clear)

  1. Yeah, right by Locke2005 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Copyright extension to 70 years encourages innovation, because of course the original creator expects to still be alive and deriving revenue from their work 70 years later, right? This get one thing straight: Copyright isn't encouraging innovation, it's guaranteeing a revenue stream for the corporation that commissions the work for hire or buys the copyright from the original creator. Oh, and ALL creative works are derivative to begin with, so don't even try to tell me copyright is protecting "original" work.

    --
    I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.
  2. The purpose of copyright is........ by Proudrooster · · Score: 5, Interesting

    So here is the deal, I will trade you "fair use" for 4-year copyright limits.

    However, you can't have 70 year copyright terms and no fair use. That is called unlimited MONOPOLY!

    The purpose of Copyright was to give the person who created the work a limited monopoly to earn back their money, not money for their grandchildren.

    Imagine if a plumber could charge you per flush for the next 70 years.
    Imagine if an electrician could charge you every time you use a light switch for the next 70 years.

    It is insane. We need FAIR USE!