Re: Author's Rights

From: Peter Brudenall <peterb[_at_]copyright.com.au>
Date: Fri, 12 Apr 1996 17:14:22 +1000

> Martha Luehrmann writes:

>>
>> We need some way to control and charge for minor uses of
>> materials or portions of materials, like picking up a quote off the
>> internet, playing a soundbite, running a piece of software, or showing
>> some or all of a picture.
>>

> *************

I would be interested in your views on whether you think controlling and charging for minor uses of copyright material could work to the detriment of creators. Since few creative works do not in some way build upon the creative efforts of others, my view is that by exercising control over all uses of copyright material, the opportunities for future creators become more limited. This is most obviously seen in the research and scientific communities where access to the work of others is crucial to further development taking place.

Copyright laws generally place restrictions on the use (that is, exercising one of the copyright owner's exclusive rights) of substantial portions of works. Controlling the use of insubstantial portions of works has generally been seen as not coming within the ambit of copyright law or policy. I recognise that substance in this context is to be judged on the basis of the quality of what is used, not the quantity.

Peter Brudenall
<peterb[_at_]copyright.com.au>

These views are my own and are not necessarily those of my employer, and should not be relied upon. Received on Fri Apr 12 1996 - 07:18:11 GMT