Do you copy?
The above video, made by Julie Whitehead includes an explanation of the meaning of the Creative Commons categories. In addition, she has tried to capture some of the central concerns of copyright law in relation to the digital world which is a context for much sharing, "mash-ups", and original creations. She begins by defining Intellectual property and the five different types held in Canada:
- Patents, such as walkie-talkie
- Trade-marks, such as Blackberry
- Copyrights, such as recordings and book content
- Industrial Designs, such as Bombadier Snowmobile
- Integrated Circuit Topography, such as the Canadarm
Basically, an Intellectual Property Right is a valuable asset which prevents others from selling or using your work without authorization. The video proceeds to outline the challenges perceived by the move toward Digital Rights Management Systems (D. R. M.'s) which includes the increased use of digital locking systems.The Canadian Bill C-32, for example, although proposing the inclusion of Education under the Fair Dealing provision already in place, seems to undermine its value by advocating stronger anti-circumvention rules.
My understanding of this, is that, for example, if you access an article for your research through an online library service, whilst this is allowed, the article should 'self-distruct' in, say, 30 days after the end of a course. So "what the right hand giveth, the left taketh away?"
CBC News, reviews C-32, the current Canadian Copyright bill.
This news item highlights the main elements of the legislation and the mixed reactions it has garnered. In particular, again, the concept that digital lock provisions basically undercut any for fair use.
Below is a Michael Geist podcast/webinar on C-32. He divides the bill into three sections. Sections I, Sector Specific Reforms, and II, Compromise Reforms, which he deems fairly positive elements, whilst section III, No Compromise Reforms, again, seems to undermine those very same positives. As Geist states, these are "a Monster Problem."
Michael Geist Opinions on C32
The linked film below was produced by Michael Geist and Daniel Albahary. They asked Canadians from across the country and from a wide range of sectors the question - "Why copyright?". This was after Bill C-61, a bill to address Canadian copyright law was introduced in 2007/8 but ultimately died.
Why Copyright? Canadian Voices on Copyright Law
Our class goup grappled with several of the issues around digital media and copyright.
We asked,
- What sorts of "things" are we talking about? We pooled our thoughts around music (CD's, DVD's,iTunes, and the sharing with online friends), movies, (both commercial DVD's and iTunes, and the idea of Ripping to the computer), photos (mostly using photos and images that at least imply permission to use)
- Is it part of human nature to copy? We thought it really depended on the purpose for the copying. We, as humans, learn from each other; we learn from others' perspectives; share ideas and build on them; get good initial starting points; we share throughout the ages, from people who have gone before; that's how we often define progress, as standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before. Perhaps, human nature is such that if you can find a way to get something for free, you do? Or, you have friends that can easily pass things to you etc., so it becomes something you don't give much thought to?
- Why don't we always cite our sources? Sometimes we just forget where, when , and how we learned or got things. So, we can't always retrace our steps to locate original materials. Often, we say or write things that is knowledge or opinions that have built up over much time, from many sources and experiences. Again, it would be difficult to constantly remind yourself of where each thought came from originally. Like an Artist really.
- What is legal? We are not always too sure about what pictures, images, clipart, jokes, videos, animations, music, etc. are actually legally available for copying and/or using in a new way. The current acceptance of Mash-ups makes it more confusing than ever! In Creative Commons, they have different levels of rights and responsibilities which some people don't actually understand anyway!
- Who's needs are being met by different aspects of the copyright laws? There seems to be a common feeling that the laws favour large corporations and The U.S. large media conglomerates, and not the creators, re-creators or consumers of , say, the arts. In addition, it is very challenging to understand the complexity of legalese!
Read the following for a translation of sorts!
Bill C-32 Michael Geist's Perspective on the Key IssuesI've included the following as it was very useful to me and might be worth a look for you too! The link to Rodd Lucier's other slideshow/webinars are also worth a look!
Nice job summarizing the video and adding the links, Jeannette!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Robin