How can the system of copyright survive the internet age?

Answer 1

The concept is a sound one.

The issues are really around the business models that capitalize on copyright and other intellectual property, that are based on assumptions from the 1870s through the 1920s, more or less.

Those conditions are increasingly less relevant, and so it is natural that the business models will suffer.

In a nutshell, for the last 100 years roughly, the real money has been in Hollywood via controlling the distribution of content. That is still where the money is, except increasingly, Hollywood is not in a position to control it anymore.

This has happened in other industries, and they either adapted or shrunk or disappeared.

Not much call for horse buggies, no matter what a great mode of transportation those were at one time, or how profitable they were. But tourist horse carriages still exist, earning money for basically the same thing, just not in the volume as before.

Similarly for car parts for Ford Model As and other old cars. Ford has no business, bit third parties can and do supply the vintage enthusiast market.

New business models are emerging, and rapidly, but if Hollywood can't or won't adapt (the issue in the current writer's strike shows neither side really gets it), then they will shrink or fall by the wayside.

Others like Yahoo, google, and a million other web sites and game platforms and other media are ready to take up the slack and are already taking marketshare.

Answer 2

Why can't it? If it survived the "xerox" age, it can survive the Internet. Technology will find a way to protect copyright. Also, most people are honest and will pay for the right to enjoy original works like songs and movies, etc.

Answer 3

it can't...

I think we're going to see a huge shift to broadband digital delivery of movies and songs over the next couple years.

Eventually your broadband connection will be your telephone, your cable, your movie rental, your radio.... all media and communication through a single connection. For many, that day is already here.

The thing is....as far as cd's..dvd's...blu ray...etc. If it can be read, it can be copied.

Answer 4

It seems to be doing pretty well with those who download songs illegally.