Intellectual property in information society

Recent trends of copyright law issues in the U.S. and Europe

Abstract

Development of digital technology and network environment creates new copyright issues. The World Intellectual Property Organization agreed on the adoption of two copyright treaties, but there are many remaining problems. Efforts have started in the U.S. and Europe to implement the treaties and modernize the current copyright system, including issues regarding transmission over network, temporary storage on memory devices, and circumvention of copyright protection measures. Excessive copyright protection may cause serious problems such as a monopoly of information and a stifling of technological innovations. All related people, especially users of the information such as researchers and scientists, have to participate these debates in order to maintain the well balanced copyright system in the future.