A Book Is a Book Is E-Book: Copyright, Contract, and Technology Are Clashing in the Digital Age
Information Today, July/August 2001
3 Pages Posted: 22 Jun 2010
Date Written: July/August 2001
Abstract
A creative work such as a novel, photograph, or musical composition is considered legally copyrighted at the point of creation. That copyright, however, is often of little economic value until it can be commercially exploited. Although Web publication and other forms of self-publication may provide for economic exploitation, for most creators the services of the publishing industry are required. However, the resulting contractual arrangements, no matter how detailed, may not completely address all potential problems that might arise. Nuances of language and the passage of time all have an impact on how a contract is interpreted and applied. The rules of the new economy are also having a big impact on contract interpretation that has lead to some highly publicized disagreements.
Keywords: copyright, books e-books, publishing agreements, contracts, lawsuits, copyright infringement, technology, marketing effect
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation